Weddell Island, a remote island in the Falklands archipelago, is home to a multitude of bird species. With its variety of habitats, including rugged coastlines, peat bogs, and freshwater ponds, Weddell Island is a prime location for seabirds, wading birds, and waterfowl.
The island's isolation and lack of human interference make it an ideal place for birdwatchers and researchers alike to observe and study these fascinating creatures. From the majestic albatross to the tiny wren, Weddell Island is a bird lover's paradise.
1. Kelp gull
The Kelp Gull is a majestic bird that can be found on coasts and islands of the Southern Hemisphere. It has a beautiful plumage consisting of black, white and grey feathers with brown eyes.
Its wingspan ranges between 91-122 cm (36 - 48 inches). The nominate L. d. dominicanus subspecies is most commonly seen around South America, parts of Australia, and New Zealand where it goes by the name "black-backed gull" or "mollyhawk".
These birds are omnivorous but tend to prefer fish as their primary food source while they also scavenge carrion when necessary.
In order to stand out from other seagulls during mating season they display vibrant courtship rituals which involve flying high in circles over its nesting area flapping their wings dramatically before diving down into the water near potential mates.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. dominicanus |
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2. Magellanic penguin
The Magellanic penguin is a beloved South American bird that breeds in coastal Patagonia, including Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands. It migrates to Brazil and Uruguay occasionally as far north as Espirito Santo.
Vagrants have even been spotted in El Salvador, Antarctica's Avian Island and Australia/New Zealand.
This species of penguin is perhaps most recognizable for its striking black-and-white plumage - it has an entirely white underbelly with two distinctive stripes across its back which are black above and white below.
Additionally, they possess large pinkish feet which act like paddles when swimming underwater; these birds can swim up to 20 mph.
The Magellanic Penguin typically lives around 15 years but some may live longer due to their strong social bonds within colonies.
All in all this majestic creature makes quite the statement both on land or sea - making them a unique addition our planet’s wildlife population.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Spheniscus |
| Species | S. magellanicus |
Also Featured In: Birds of Argentina, Patagonia Birds You Should Know
3. Black-crowned night heron
The Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a medium-sized bird found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and North and South America.
It has black crowns on its head with white feathers underneath. Its wings are greyish brown while its underparts are mostly white.
This species can be seen foraging near shallow water or along coastlines during dusk or dawn as it hunts small fish, amphibians and crustaceans.
They also feed on insects such as grasshoppers and beetles which they find in meadows close to freshwater bodies like lakes or ponds where they breed during springtime making nests using twigs lined with reeds and leaves near these waterside habitats.
In Australasia, this species hybridizes with the nankeen night heron that inhabits those areas instead; however both populations remain distinct from each other despite their overlap range regions.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
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4. Albatrosses
Albatrosses are majestic, large seabirds belonging to the Diomedeidae family in the Procellariiformes order.
These birds have an impressive wingspan and can fly great distances over oceans with minimal effort.
They inhabit all of the world’s southern oceans, ranging from Antarctica up through New Zealand and Australia as well as parts of the northern Pacific Ocean region.
Albatross populations were once abundant throughout much of their range but they now face threats such as longline fishing gear entanglement which has caused a significant decline in numbers in some areas.
Furthermore, occasional vagrants have been found outside their native ranges including fossil remains suggesting that albatrosses previously existed on other regions too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Diomedeidae G.R. Gray 1840[1] |
Also Featured In: New Zealand Birds, Birds You'll Find in the Sea
5. Penguins
Penguins are an amazing species of aquatic birds that live mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. They have a unique plumage, which is black and white countershaded to aid them while swimming in the water.
Penguins feed mostly on krill, small crustaceans found near Antarctica. These remarkable creatures can't fly but they compensate by being excellent swimmers due to their flippers-like wings which help them move faster underwater.
All this makes penguins one of nature's most fascinating animals - not just for kids.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Austrodyptornithes |
| Order | Sphenisciformes Sharpe, 1891 |
| Family | Spheniscidae Bonaparte, 1831 |
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6. Black-browed Albatross
The Black-browed Albatross is a majestic seabird that belongs to the albatross family known as Diomedeidae.
It is an impressive bird, with its black beak and brow contrasting against white plumage on its wings and body.
The most widespread and common member of this group, it can often be seen flying around oceans in different parts of the world.
These birds share many features with other members of their order Procellariiformes, such as shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels; they all have long wingspans for gliding effortlessly above water surfaces.
They feed mainly by scavenging or hunting small fish near sea surface while flying low over waters.
Its population has unfortunately declined due to commercial fishing vessels which attract them closer to shore resulting in entanglement into fishing nets leading them towards mortality.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Diomedeidae |
| Genus | Thalassarche |
| Species | T. melanophris |
Also Featured In: Birds that Live in the Ocean , Birds that Live around Victoria
7. King penguin
King penguins are majestic birds that live in the temperate and sub-Antarctic regions of the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
They stand up to 3 feet tall, making them smaller than their relative, the Emperor Penguin.
King Penguins have a distinctive two toned orange and black plumage with white markings on its face around its eyes which gives it an elegant look.
Unlike other species of penguin, they don't migrate as much but stay close to breeding grounds year round living off from fish and squid found near shorelines or ice floes.
Their diet also consists of krill shrimp, small crustaceans such as copepods or amphipods eaten whole along with some occasional planktonic organisms like jellyfish for variety.
King Penguins form large colonies where males take part in incubation duties while females feed at sea for weeks at a time during mating season.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Aptenodytes |
| Species | A. patagonicus |
Also Featured In: Birds That Live around Saunders Island,
8. Adélie penguin
The Adélie penguin is a species of bird unique to the Antarctic continent. It's one of the most widespread and southerly distributed penguins, and its name comes from Adéle Dumont d'Urville - wife of French explorer Jules Sébastian César Dumont d’Urville who explored much of Antarctica in 1837-1840.
They're well adapted for life on land as they have thick layers of feathers that insulate them against cold temperatures, webbed feet used for swimming great distances & strong beaks made for catching fish like krill & squid.
Their diet also includes crustaceans, mollusks and cephalopods which are plentiful around Antarctica's coastlines where they nest in large colonies during breeding season.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Pygoscelis |
| Species | P. adeliae |
9. Cape petrel
The Cape petrel is a seabird from the Procellariidae family that lives in the Southern Ocean. It is the only species of its genus and has many allies, including fulmarine petrels and giant petrels.
This species is abundant with an estimated population of around two million individuals. Its plumage consists mainly of dark grey on top and white underneath, making it easily identifiable when flying overhead or perched atop rocks along shorelines.
They usually feed at night while searching for fish, crustaceans, squid and other marine life near surface waters using their strong sense of smell to find prey in low light conditions.
Cape Petrels are often seen gathering into large flocks as they migrate between Antarctic seas during winter months before returning home to breed during summertime where they form large colonies along coastlines throughout southern oceans such as New Zealand's South Island coasts.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Daption Stephens, 1826 |
| Species | D. capense |
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10. Gentoo penguin
Gentoo penguins are an iconic species of birds found in the Falkland Islands. They have a distinctive black and white plumage, with a bright orange beak and feet.
The gentoo is one of three closely related species—the Adélie Penguin (P. adeliae) and chinstrap penguin (P. antarcticus)—and they can all be seen co-existing in their natural habitat near open water or on ice shelves around Antarctica, including the South Shetlands, Orkneys, South Georgia islands, Kerguelen Islands and Macquarie Island to name just a few places.
This sociable bird is known for its loud call which sounds like “gentooooo”; it also makes other vocalizations such as honks during courtship displays.
Gentoos prefer to live in large colonies but will often nest alone or form small groups when needed.
With climate change having an increasingly negative effect on Antarctic habitats these days it's more important than ever that we protect this fascinating animal so future generations may enjoy them too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Pygoscelis |
| Species | P. papua |
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11. Blue petrel
The Blue Petrel is a small seabird of the Procellariidae family, found in the Southern Ocean. It is easily distinguished by its blue plumage and short forked tail.
The only species in its genus Halobaena, it has close genetic ties to Prions. Breeding mainly near Antarctic Convergence zone at various isolated island sites, this bird was first described in 1777 by German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas.
Its diet consists mostly of krill along with squid and fish which they plunge-dive into ocean waters to catch their prey before returning back to nest on land or cliffside burrows where two eggs are laid each year.
They have adapted well over time thanks to their unique traits such as long wingspan enabling them travel far distances while being able to store food reserves during days without feeding opportunities due migration patterns across vast oceans.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Halobaena Bonaparte, 1856 |
| Species | H. caerulea |
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12. Black-bellied storm petrel
The Black-bellied Storm Petrel is a species of seabird belonging to the Oceanitidae family. It can be found in Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Bouvet Island and many other countries in South America and Africa.
These birds are mainly dark brown with white bellies that have black markings on them. They feed primarily on small fish but will also take crustaceans such as krill or squid when available.
During breeding season they form colonies along rocky coasts where they lay one egg per year which hatch after about 40 days of incubation by both parents.
The fledglings then stay for around two weeks before taking flight for the open seas. This oceanic bird has an impressive range making it quite a common sight near coastlines all over the world.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Oceanitidae |
| Genus | Fregetta |
| Species | F. tropica |
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13. Dolphin gull
The Dolphin Gull is a medium-sized gull native to southern Chile, Argentina and the Falkland Islands. It has greyish feathers with darker wings, a yellow bill and legs of varying lengths - depending on its age.
They inhabit rocky, muddy and sandy shores near seabird colonies where they search for food such as fish, crabs or other aquatic creatures.
The adults are particularly good swimmers who can dive underwater in pursuit of their prey; whereas the young birds prefer scavenging from shoreline garbage dumps.
Dolphins Gulls form large breeding colonies during which time both males and females take part in elaborate courtship rituals to attract mates followed by nesting activities like incubating eggs together before raising chicks together too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Leucophaeus |
| Species | L. scoresbii |
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14. Cobb's wren
Cobb's wren is a small bird endemic to the Falkland Islands. It was previously classified as a subspecies of house wren, but its distinct features - including differences in plumage, voice and morphology - have since earned it recognition as an individual species.
This bird measures only 12-13.5 cm long, making it one of the smallest members of the Troglodytes genus family.
Its scientific name commemorates Arthur Cobb, who wrote about his experiences on these islands during his lifetime; while its common name has also been adopted from him in tribute to this legacy.
With brownish grey feathers covering their bodies and white bellies contrasting against them nicely, Cobb’s Wrens are often spotted flitting between trees or singing out across meadows with their cheerful little songs.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
| Genus | Troglodytes |
| Species | T. cobbi |
Also Featured In: Wrens Species, Birds That Live around East Falkland
15. Kelp goose
The kelp goose is a species of waterfowl found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. It belongs to the Tadornini tribe of subfamily Anserinae. This bird has two subspecies, C. h. hybrida and C. h. malvinarum.
The kelp goose is a medium-sized bird, measuring 55 to 65 cm in length. Male kelp geese of its nominate subspecies weigh 2.54 to 2.58 kg, while females weigh 2.00 to 2.17 kg.
These birds are known for their beautiful feathers, and their striking appearance makes them a popular species among bird enthusiasts.
Due to their aquatic nature, kelp geese are often spotted near the water, feeding on aquatic plants and insects.
They are an important part of the ecosystem and play a significant role in maintaining an ecological balance.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Chloephaga |
| Species | C. hybrida |
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16. Falkland steamer duck
The Falkland steamer duck is a flightless bird that can be found exclusively on the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Unlike other ducks, its swimming behavior has an unusual touch, resembling the motion of an old paddle steamer.
The Falkland steamer duck is one of the two bird species that are only found on the Falklands. Although it is not a threatened species, it is protected by the government of the Falkland Islands due to its limited distribution.
The bird is often seen in pairs or small groups and feeds on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms found in the shallow coastal waters.
Its plumage is primarily dark brown with flecks of white and black while the head and neck are a dull grey.
The Falkland steamer duck plays an essential role in the ecosystem of the Falkland Islands and is considered to be a significant part of the archipelago's unique biodiversity.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tachyeres |
| Species | T. brachypterus |
17. Macaroni penguin
The Macaroni penguin is a type of crested penguin found in regions ranging from the Subantarctic to the Antarctic Peninsula. Its striking appearance includes a black face and upperparts that contrast with the bird's white underbelly.
The Macaroni penguin is easily recognized by its unique yellow crest. Some experts consider this bird and the royal penguin to be the same species due to their close relationship.
The Macaroni penguin is a fascinating species that is a master of swimming and diving in the frigid waters of the South Atlantic.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptes |
| Species | E. chrysolophus |
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18. Falkland Islands Government Air Service
The Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) has been providing essential air travel within the Falkland Islands for over 70 years. One unique aspect of FIGAS is its bird-strike avoidance program.
With the Islands being home to many bird species, a collision with a bird during takeoff or landing could potentially pose a safety risk. FIGAS pilots are trained to recognize and avoid potential bird strikes, with the assistance of trained bird spotters who monitor the skies.
Additionally, the FIGAS fleet is equipped with special bird-strike protectors to minimize the risk of damage to the aircraft.
Thanks to FIGAS' proactive measures, bird strikes are a rare occurrence and passengers can travel with confidence knowing their safety is of utmost importance.
