MacGillivray’s Prion

Pachyptila macgillivrayi

MacGillivray's Prion (Pachyptila macgillivrayi) — Seabirds & Tubenoses of Oceans & Seabirds.

The MacGillivray’s Prion (Pachyptila macgillivrayi) is a member of the Procellariidae family found in Oceans & Seabirds. Adults weigh 159 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Critically Endangered.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

CR Critically Endangered

Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Procellariiformes
Family Procellariidae Petrels, Shearwaters, Diving Petrels
Genus Pachyptila
Species macgillivrayi

Where it lives

Roche Quille, off St. Paul I. and formerly Amsterdam I. (central South Indian Ocean) and Gough (Tristan da Cunha group, south-central Atlantic Ocean)

Oceans & Seabirds

Quick facts

Weight: 159 g
Diet: Aquatic hunters
Family: Procellariidae
Order: Procellariiformes
Habitat: Wetland, lake & coast

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Broad-billed Prion

Pachyptila vittata

Critically Endangered

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The MacGillivray’s Prion hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Behaviour

A bird of open sea and coastal waters, it swims and feeds in and around water.

Migration

The MacGillivray’s Prion is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.

The MacGillivray’s Prion (Pachyptila macgillivrayi) is a species of bird in the Procellariidae family, part of the order Procellariiformes. It is found across Oceans & Seabirds. Its distribution covers AO, IO Roche Quille, off St. Paul I. and formerly Amsterdam I. (c South Indian Ocean) and Gough (Tristan da Cunha group, sc Atlantic Ocean).

It is a medium-sized bird. Adults weighs around 159 g, with a wing length of about 19.3 cm and a tail of around 8.7 cm.

It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Critically Endangered is the highest risk category before extinction in the wild.

Its mapped global range covers an estimated 4 million km².

Frequently asked questions

How big is the MacGillivray’s Prion?

The MacGillivray’s Prion is a medium-sized bird that weighs around 159 g.

Where does the MacGillivray’s Prion live?

The MacGillivray’s Prion is found across Oceans & Seabirds with a range covering AO, IO Roche Quille, off St. Paul I. and formerly Amsterdam I. (c South Indian Ocean) and Gough (Tristan da Cunha group, sc Atlantic Ocean), where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.

What family does the MacGillivray’s Prion belong to?

The MacGillivray’s Prion (Pachyptila macgillivrayi) belongs to the Procellariidae family, in the order Procellariiformes.

What does the MacGillivray’s Prion eat?

The MacGillivray’s Prion hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Does the MacGillivray’s Prion migrate?

The MacGillivray’s Prion is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.

Is the MacGillivray’s Prion endangered?

It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Critically Endangered is the highest risk category before extinction in the wild.

How large is the MacGillivray’s Prion's range?

The MacGillivray’s Prion has a mapped global range of about 4 million km².