A Ukrainian polar explorer filmed a unique bird in Antarctica: what is a bullfinch and why is it called a hybrid of a chicken and a pigeon

The white tit or snow bunting is the only bird in the Antarctic that does not swim in the ocean. This snow-white feathered creature is also called a hybrid of a chicken and a pigeon.

A Ukrainian polar explorer filmed the unique bird and posted it on the National Antarctic Research Center's Facebook page. In the interesting footage, the "Snow White" is taking water procedures in the polar explorers' boat.

"The snow leopard has no swimming membranes on its paws and therefore lives exclusively on land. However, these birds also need to "take a bath" because water cleanses them of dirt, parasites, and bacteria. If the feathers are not washed, pests that cause infections and diseases can settle in them," the Ukrainian scientists noted in the post.

Great tits often choose puddles and natural depressions in rocks for bathing. However, the bird in the video found a "bath" in the polar explorers' boat. This interesting moment was filmed by Valentyna Harbarchuk, a meteorologist of the 29th UAE.

Interestingly, since the bullfinch does not dive into the ocean, it is considered the largest land animal in the Antarctic, although its length is up to 40 cm, experts say.

The polar explorers joke that it is a hybrid of a chicken and a pigeon, and not only because of its color and size. Ukrainian scientists note that the bullfinch does not leave the Vernadsky vicinity all year round, even in the harsh Antarctic winter.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!