Sheathbills Chionidae
There are 2 species of sheathbills within a single genus. They are restricted to sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. They are the only bird family endemic to the Antarctic region. Recent research has indicated that the Magellanic Plover Pluvianellus socialis of southern South America may also be classified within this family.



Chasiempis



Snowy Sheathbill Chionis alba at the very remote British Antarctic survey base, Bird Island, South Georgia, April 1985.







NON-PASSERINES