Chatham Albatross

The Chatham albatross, known to some as the Chatham mollymawk or Chatham Island mollymawk, is a medium-sized albatross that presents a striking black-and-white plumage. It is the smallest member of the shy albatross group, with a length of 90 cm and a weight ranging from 3.1 to 4.7 kg. The adult boasts a dark grey crown, face, upper mantle, back, upperwing, tail, and throat, contrasted by a white rump and underparts. A distinctive black thumbmark adorns the leading edge of the underwings, and the wingtips are black. The bill is a vibrant yellow with a dark spot at the tip of the lower mandible, and an orange cheek stripe adds a splash of color to its visage. Juveniles display more extensive grey and a blue-grey bill with black tips on both mandibles.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Chatham albatross, look for the dark grey upper parts and white underparts, the black thumbmark on the underwing, and the yellow bill with a dark spot on the lower mandible. The orange cheek stripe is also a helpful feature. Juveniles can be distinguished by their more extensive grey coloring and blue-grey bill.

Habitat

The Chatham albatross is an oceanic bird that, when not breeding, roams the South Pacific from Tasmania to Chile and Peru, often utilizing the Humboldt Current.

Distribution

This species breeds exclusively on The Pyramid, a large rock stack in the Chatham Islands, New Zealand. Outside the breeding season, they can be found across the South Pacific, as far north as 6°S along the South American coast.

Behaviour

The Chatham albatross is typically silent but will produce a harsh buzzing bray when threatened or during courtship. Courtship displays include fanning of the tail, mutual jousting of bills, and grunting.

Song & Calls

The species is generally silent but known for its harsh buzzing bray during specific interactions such as threats or courtship.

Breeding

Breeding occurs annually on rocky ledges, steep slopes, and crevices of The Pyramid. They construct pedestal nests from soil and vegetation. A single egg is laid between late August and early October, hatching after 68–72 days. Chicks fledge by March or April, after 130 to 140 days. Juveniles return to the colony after four years but do not breed until their seventh year.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Chatham albatross includes fish, cephalopods, krill, and barnacles.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Chatham albatross as Vulnerable. The species faces threats due to its nesting on a single small island, where habitat conditions have declined. Severe storms and commercial fishing, including longline and trawl lines, pose significant risks. Illegal chick harvesting also occurs. Conservation efforts include the translocation of juvenile albatrosses to a protected breeding site on Main Chatham Island, with the hope of establishing a new colony.