Light-mantled Albatross

The Light-mantled Albatross, known scientifically as Phoebetria palpebrata, is a small member of the albatross family. Its plumage is predominantly sooty-brown or blackish, with a lighter grey mantle reminiscent of the coat of a Siamese cat. The eyes are adorned with crescents of short grey feathers, and the bill is a striking black with a blue groove and a subtle greyish-yellow line along the lower mandible.

Identification Tips

To identify this species, look for the pale grey upperparts that contrast with the darker head and the unique bill coloration. The bill measures approximately 105 mm and is useful for distinguishing this bird from similar species. Both male and female Light-mantled Albatrosses are similar in size, with a body length of 79 to 89 cm, a wingspan of 183 to 218 cm, and a weight range of 2.5 to 3.7 kg.

Habitat

The Light-mantled Albatross is a pelagic bird, spending much of its life at sea. It is found in the Southern Ocean, ranging from the Antarctic pack-ice to subtropical waters.

Distribution

This species has a circumpolar distribution, breeding on various subantarctic islands and occasionally being sighted as far north as the Humboldt Current.

Behaviour

The Light-mantled Albatross is known for its loud, shrill, trumpet-like calls and bill-snapping when threatened. During courtship, these birds engage in spectacular aerial displays and formation flying. They communicate with mutual calls, with variations in tone influenced by head positioning, and use their tails in displays more than other albatross species.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Light-mantled Albatross include a range of loud, shrill sounds used for communication, especially during courtship and as a defense mechanism.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in loose colonies or as solitary pairs. The nest is a low mound of peat and mud, with a grass lining, situated on vegetated cliff ledges or steep slopes. A single egg is laid and incubated by both parents in shifts. Chicks are brooded for about 20 days, then left alone while parents forage, returning every 2 to 3 days to feed them. Fledging takes place after 140 to 170 days. These albatrosses form long-term pair bonds, often lasting decades, and breed biennially.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Light-mantled Albatross primarily consists of squid and krill, supplemented by other crustaceans, fish, and carrion. They often feed near the ocean's surface and are known to associate with pilot whales and southern right whale dolphins during feeding.

Conservation status

With an estimated population of 58,000, the Light-mantled Albatross is classified as Near Threatened. The population is in decline due to threats such as bycatch in longline fisheries, predation by introduced species on breeding islands, and ingestion of plastic debris.