The snow petrel is a small, pure white fulmarine petrel with coal-black eyes, a small black bill and bluish gray feet. Body length is 30–40 cm (12–16 in) and the wingspan is 75–95 cm (30–37 in). Flight is erratic with frequent changes of direction. Most of a snow petrel’s fishing is done close to the surface, with only shallow dives being used for pursuit. They can reach speeds of up to about 40 km per hour. Once paired, snow petrels remain with the same mate for life.