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Chionididae:
The sheathbills are the two species of birds in the genus Chionis in the Chionididae family. They are confined to Antarctic regions, and are the only Antarctic birds without webbed feet.
They have white plumage, with only the face and leg colours distinguishing the two species. They look plump and dove-like, but are believed to be similar to the ancestors of the modern gulls and terns. They derive their English name from the horny sheath which partially covers the upper mandible of their stout bills.
The sheathbills are scavengers, but will take chicks and eggs as well as offal. They lay 2 or 3 blotchy white eggs on the ground. |
