WANDERING ALBATROSS (Diomedea exulans)
Circumpolar in the Southern Oceans, these huge black and white birds have an average wingspan of 3m (138in). Their majestic and masterly flight allows them to remain airborne for extended periods, they are often seen following in the ships wake. Normally they mate for life, some have been recorded as living for 50 years. The immatures pass through a sequence of colour changes which can help differentiate from the similar sized Royal Albatross. Start breeding in their 9th or 10th year.

SOUTHERN GIANT PETREL (Macronectes giganteus)
Southern Oceans in distribution, small albatross in size with wingspan of about 200cm, these birds differ in having proportionately shorter wings and a bulkier body. Has a light coloured bill which helps distinguish it from the Northern Giant Petrel, which has a darker tip of bill. Tend to scavenge and follow ships.

ANTARCTIC PETREL (Thalassoica antarctica)
Circumpolar in higher latitudes of Southern Oceans. Wingspan 102cm. Distinctive upper wing colouration with broad white subterminal trailing edges to wings. Flight consists of a series of glides interspersed with rigid wing-beats. Occasionally follows ships.

PINTADO PETREL (Daption capense)
Southern Oceans, unmistakable chequered white and black plumage, with 2 white patches on the upper wings. Gliding around ships with bursts of 5 to 8 quick stiff-wingflaps. Feeds from the surface.

SNOW PETREL (Pagodroma nivea)
Confined to the ice pack and adjacent Antarctic seas, wingspan of 78cm. The world's only small completely white petrel. Characteristic of pack ice, rarely seen far from ice floes and icebergs. Does not normally follow ships.

BLUE PETREL (Halobaena caerulea)
Circumpolar in Southern Oceans with wingspan of 62cm. Larger, with a less erratic flight pattern than Prion spp., has characteristic white tipped tail. Gregarious, occasionally follows ships.

PRION (Pachyptila spp.)
Small southern ocean petrels, with a distinctive "M" shaped mark over the back and wings, and a black tipped tail. Several species, difficult to seperate at sea. All have erratic flight, often seen in large flocks.

ANTARCTIC FULMAR (Fulmarus glacialoides)
Southern Oceans with wingspan of 117cm. Distinctive appearance with pale grey upper parts and white "window" patches at the base of the porimaries. Gregarious, described as a quarrelsome scavenger, rarely follows ships.

CHINSTRAP PENGUIN (Pygoscelis antarctica)
Antarctic seas, found in small groups in pack ice. Length 77cm. The chinstrap or thin black line over the white throat is diagnostic. Feeds on krill, often seen porpoising through the water.

Chinstrap penguins in the water.

LIGHT-MANTLED SOOTY ALBATROSS
(Phoebetria palpebrata)
Circumpolar southern oceans, wingspan 215cm. Slender albatross with narrow wings and wedge shaped tail. Differentiate from the Dark-mantled Sooty Albatross by the ashy-grey mantle and body. Highly inquisitive, readily follows ships.