General Description

Body mainly white. Wings black, underwing with broad black margins and central inner white streak. Bill yellow with pink tip. Black eyebrow over dark eye. Young birds with black-grey bill. Body up to 95 cm long, wing span to 2.5 m.

Biology

This is the most abundant species of albatross. Individuals breed on many sub-Antarctic islands and they are known to follow ships and fishing boats.

Habitat

Coastlines, large bays and open seas.

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Sub-Antarctic islands and coasts of southern continents, a vagrant in northern hemisphere areas. Southern Australia.

Species Group

Birds › Albatrosses

Max Size

95 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

Yes

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

• Birds - Albatrosses

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Vulnerable
• IUCN Red List : Not listed