Campbell Albatross

The Campbell albatross, Thalassarche impavida, also known as the Campbell mollymawk, is a medium-sized member of the albatross family. This seabird is distinguished by its black and white plumage and pale yellow iris, with a striking black triangle around its eye that extends to the bill, which is yellow with an orange tip.

Identification Tips

Adult Campbell albatrosses weigh approximately 3.21 kg and measure 88 cm in length. They possess a white head, neck, rump, and underparts, contrasted by a black upperwing, back, and tail. The underwing is predominantly white with broad black margins. Juveniles can be identified by their brown-grey bill with a black tip, darker eyes, and reduced black on the underwing.

Habitat

The Campbell albatross is a pelagic bird that breeds on steep slopes and ledges adorned with low grass, tussock, or mud on Campbell Island and the islet Jeanette Marie.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the Campbell Islands group, a small New Zealand island group in the South Pacific. While breeding, they forage from the South Island and the Chatham Rise to the Ross Sea. Juveniles and non-breeders range through south Australian waters, the Tasman Sea, and the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

Behaviour

Campbell albatrosses are known to start breeding at the age of 10 years and exhibit a breeding success rate of 66%. They return to their breeding colonies in early August, with egg-laying occurring in late September. The incubation period for the single egg lasts around 70 days, and the chick fledges approximately 130 days after hatching.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Campbell albatross includes fish, squid, crustacea, carrion, and gelatinous organisms, which they procure from the ocean's surface.

Breeding

Nesting sites are typically on ledges and steep slopes covered with vegetation or mud. The breeding cycle is characterized by a single egg laid per season, with both parents sharing incubation duties.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the Campbell albatross as Vulnerable. The primary threats to this species are fisheries, including longline and trawler operations. Conservation efforts have seen the eradication of feral sheep, rats, and cats from Campbell Island, which has likely benefited the species. Ongoing studies continue to monitor their population and threats.

Similar Species

The Campbell albatross is often compared to the black-browed albatross, from which it was split taxonomically. The key differentiator is the eye color, with the Campbell albatross having a pale yellow iris.