Shy Albatross

The shy albatross, Thalassarche cauta, also known as the shy mollymawk, is a medium-sized albatross with a stately presence, boasting a wingspan of 220 to 256 cm (87–101 in). It is a striking bird, with a white forehead and crown, bordered by a dark eyebrow and a pale grey face. The mantle, tail, and upperwing are a contrasting grey-black, while the rest of the body is predominantly white. A distinctive feature is the black thumb mark at the base of the leading edge of the underwing. The bill is a notable grey-yellow, highlighted by a prominent yellow culmen and tip.

Identification Tips

When identifying the shy albatross, look for the characteristic white head with a dark eyebrow and the black thumb mark on the underwing. The grey-yellow bill with a yellow tip is also a key feature distinguishing it from similar species.

Habitat

The shy albatross is a pelagic bird, often found over the open waters off the southeast coast of Tasmania.

Distribution

This species breeds exclusively on three remote islands off the coast of Tasmania, Australia, in the southern Indian Ocean. Juveniles have been recorded as far as South Africa, and non-breeding birds are found throughout the southern oceans, occasionally reaching the Pacific coast of the United States.

Behaviour

The shy albatross is known to follow fishing boats, likely in search of an easy meal. It is capable of impressive feats of flight, with some individuals recorded flying 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) in a mere 24 hours.

Feeding

The diet of the shy albatross consists of fish, cephalopods, crustacea, and tunicates. They employ a combination of surface-seizing and pursuit diving strategies, sometimes diving to depths of 5 m (16 ft).

Reproduction

Breeding on rocky islands, the shy albatross constructs mounded nests from soil, grass, and roots. They lay a single egg in the latter part of September.

Conservation status

The shy albatross is currently classified as near threatened by the IUCN. The Australian Government has listed the species as "Endangered" due to threats from climate change, fisheries bycatch, disease, and competition with other seabirds. There are an estimated 15,000 pairs remaining, with the population on Albatross Island showing an increase, while numbers on Pedra Branca are in decline.

Similar Species

The shy albatross can be confused with its close relatives, the Salvin's albatross and the Chatham albatross, but can be distinguished by its unique bill coloration and the dark eyebrow marking on its face.

Diet and Feeding

The shy albatross is an opportunistic feeder, taking advantage of a variety of marine life and often associating with fishing vessels for scraps.

In crafting this field guide entry, I have endeavored to capture the essence of the shy albatross, a bird of remarkable grace and endurance, whose future we must ensure through our conservation efforts.