Short-tailed Albatross

The Short-tailed Albatross, or Steller's Albatross, is a majestic seabird gracing the North Pacific with its presence. This species, with its impressive wingspan stretching between 215 to 230 cm, is a sight to behold as it soars over the ocean. Adults are adorned with a predominantly white plumage contrasted by black flight feathers and a distinctive yellow-stained nape and crown. Their large, pink bill, tipped with blue in older birds, is a notable feature. Juveniles wear a brown plumage that gradually lightens with age, reaching full maturity in a decade or two.

Identification Tips

To identify the Short-tailed Albatross, look for its larger size compared to the Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses, which share its range. The pink bill with a blue tip is a key distinguishing characteristic, along with the details of its plumage. Despite its name, its tail length is comparable to its relatives and is actually longer than that of the Waved Albatross.

Habitat

The Short-tailed Albatross is a pelagic bird, favoring the open ocean. It nests on a select few islands, with the majority of breeding occurring on Tori-shima and the Senkaku Islands.

Distribution

This albatross has a breeding range restricted to a few islands in the North Pacific but travels extensively across the ocean during the non-breeding season. It can be found from the Bering Sea to the coast of Japan and as far east as California.

Behaviour

The Short-tailed Albatross is known to feed mainly on squid and is often seen trailing ships for scraps. During the breeding season, it prefers nesting in open areas near stands of grass.

Breeding

Breeding begins around the age of 10 for these albatrosses. They lay a single egg, which is incubated for approximately 65 days. Both parents share the responsibility of incubation.

Diet and Feeding

The Short-tailed Albatross primarily feeds on squid but is also known to consume fish and crustaceans, often scavenging from fishing vessels.

Conservation Status

The IUCN lists the Short-tailed Albatross as vulnerable. Once on the brink of extinction due to feather hunting, the species has shown a remarkable recovery since the mid-20th century. However, it still faces threats from longline fisheries, volcanic activity, and environmental changes. Conservation efforts are in place, including habitat restoration and bycatch mitigation measures.