giant petrel
giant fulmar
Macronectes giganteus

The giant petrels are two large seabirds from the genus Macronectes.

There were a lot of giant petrels flying very low over the nest when I was taking my weekly picture of Eriksson.

Scientists at Palmer Station said gulls, giant petrels and penguins were also affected.

The exception to this is the two species of giant petrel, which like the albatrosses, have strong legs used to feed on land (see below).

In Patagonia, giant petrels shadow killer whales as they hunt seals by stranding their huge bodies on the beach.

All birds scavenge, and a group (including giant petrels) is shown taking the remains of a whale, left by orca.

Those who do not survive become food for the predator birds - the skuas and the giant petrels.

Most, except the giant petrels, have weak legs and are nearly helpless on land.

Other species killed by the baits include giant petrels, black ducks and skuas.

Potential predators on some breeding islands are giant petrels, feral cats and rodents.