Black-browed Albatross

The Black-browed Albatross, Thalassarche melanophris, also known as the black-browed mollymawk, is a medium-sized member of the albatross family, boasting a wingspan of 200 to 240 cm. It is distinguished by its dark grey saddle and upperwings, white rump and underparts, and a striking dark eyebrow. The bill is a vibrant yellow-orange with a darker reddish-orange tip, while juveniles display a grey head and darker bill.

Identification Tips

Adult Black-browed Albatrosses can be identified by their white head, the characteristic black eyebrow, and the broad black edges on the white underside of their wings. The yellow-orange bill with a darker tip is also a key feature. Juveniles, on the other hand, have a greyer head and a dark horn-colored bill, with more extensive dark underwing markings.

Habitat

This species typically nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and occasionally on cliffs. In the Falkland Islands, they are also found nesting on flat grassland near the coast.

Distribution

The Black-browed Albatross is a circumpolar species found in the southern oceans. It breeds on 12 islands, including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and various islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is the most likely albatross to be found in the North Atlantic due to its migratory tendencies.

Behaviour

Colonies of the Black-browed Albatross are bustling with noise as individuals bray and cackle to mark territories. They also engage in elaborate courtship displays using their fanned tails.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of this species include a territorial bray and a harsh cackle, which are commonly heard within their colonies.

Breeding

Breeding occurs annually, with one egg laid between September and November. Both parents share incubation duties over a period of 68 to 71 days. Chicks fledge after 120 to 130 days, and juveniles return to the colony after two to three years to practice courtship, although they only start breeding around their tenth year.

Similar Species

The closely related Campbell Albatross is very similar in appearance but can be distinguished by its pale eye. The Grey-headed Albatross has a completely dark bill and more extensive dark head markings, differentiating it from immature Black-browed Albatrosses.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Black-browed Albatross includes fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion, and fishery discards. They have also been observed engaging in kleptoparasitism, stealing food from other bird species.

Conservation status

As of 2018, the IUCN lists the Black-browed Albatross as Least Concern. However, populations have experienced declines due to threats such as longline and trawl fishing. Conservation efforts include monitoring and protection of breeding sites, many of which are located within reserves or World Heritage Sites.

Vagrancy

Rarely, Black-browed Albatrosses have been known to appear in unexpected locations, such as gannet colonies in Scotland and the Faroe Islands, and as far afield as the Bahamas and Heligoland. These instances are often attributed to birds being blown off course.