Black-browed Albatross

Thalassarche melanophris(Temminck, 1828)

VulnerableNative

Order: 170
Family: Diomedeidae
Genus: Thalassarche

Conservation: Vulnerable
Commonness: Rare
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The black-browed albatross, also known as the black-browed mollymawk, is a large seabird of the albatross family Diomedeidae; it is the most widespread and common member of its family.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length: 80–95 cm
Wingspan: 200 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Frequently spreads its tail feathers into a wide, prominent fan shape during social interactions or while resting on the ocean surface.

flight

In flight, the white underwing displays exceptionally broad and irregular black margins, while the upperwing shows a dark saddle contrasting against a pure white rump.

plumage

Adults feature a bright yellow-orange bill with a reddish tip and a diagnostic dark 'eyebrow' smudge extending through the eye.
Juveniles are distinguished by a dusky grey wash forming a head or neck collar and a dark, olive-grey bill with a blackish tip.

size_and_shape

This species has a particularly robust silhouette with a large head and a heavy bill that appears thick relative to its head size.

voice

While usually silent at sea, they produce loud, harsh donkey-like braying cackles and guttural croaks when congregating in groups.

02 · Where

Where to find it

Breeding range: Islands of south Chile, Falkland, South Georgia and South Sandwich (south-east of South Georgia), Crozet, Heard, Kerguelen (south-west to south-east Indian Ocean), Macquarie (far south-east of Australia), Antipodes, Snares and Campbell groups (south-east and south of South I.; New Zealand)
Non-breeding range: Widespread all southern oceans from north of Antarctic Convergence to Tropic of Capricorn

03 · When

When to look

Months this species is recorded across its Australian range.

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

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How to tell it apart

Where to find it

When to look

Habits and haunts

Diet & foraging

Habitats

Range notes

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