Although most individuals are grey, this species has a wide colour range from black, brown to almost white. Due to their size and tendency to follow ships at sea they are sometimes confused with small or juvenile albatrosses. As the "vultures of the Antarctic" they scavenge on mainly on carrion (mostly penguin) but are known to hunt in groups. Giant Petrels can be very vicious, often seen in bloody attacks on penguins or young chicks, or tearing flesh from seal or whale carrion. While at sea they catch fish, squid and anything else that is edible. Another name given to giant petrels is "stinker", which comes from their ability to spit (with accuracy) a blob of oil and food at their attacker.
Breeding in loose groups their eggs hatch in 60 days, and the chicks fledge 4 months later.
Although not endangered, giant petrels are often caught in long line fishing hooks, and are easily disturbed from their nests.

Stats

Length: 85 - 100 cm
Wingspan: 180 - 205 cm