Grey-headed Albatross

The Grey-headed Albatross, Thalassarche chrysostoma, also known as the gray-headed mollymawk, is a majestic seabird of the albatross family. It is distinguished by its ashy-gray head, throat, and upper neck, and its impressive wingspan that can reach up to 2.2 meters. The bird's upper wings, mantle, and tail are almost black, contrasting with its white rump and underparts. A notable feature is the bright yellow upper and lower ridges of its black bill, which fades to a pink-orange at the tip.

Identification Tips

Adult Grey-headed Albatrosses have a dark ashy-grey head and upper neck, with a white crescent behind the eyes. Their bill is black with yellow ridges and a pink-orange tip. The underwings are predominantly white with black on the leading and trailing edges. Juveniles can be identified by their black bill and head, a darker nape, and an almost completely dark underwing.

Habitat

This species nests in colonies on isolated islands in the Southern Ocean, preferring steep slopes or cliffs with tussock grass for their large nests.

Distribution

The Grey-headed Albatross has a circumpolar distribution, nesting on islands such as South Georgia, Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands, Campbell Island, Macquarie Island, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, and Islas Diego Ramirez. They forage in the Southern Ocean, often south of the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone.

Behaviour

The Grey-headed Albatross is a highly pelagic bird, feeding in the open oceans. It is known for its long flights and can cover great distances, sometimes circling the globe several times. Breeding pairs take a year off after successfully raising a chick.

Breeding

A single egg is laid and incubated for 72 days. Chicks are fed every 1.2 days and fledge after 141 days. They will not return to the colony for 6–7 years and will breed several years later.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of squid, supplemented with fish, crustacea, carrion, cephalopods, and lampreys. Krill is less important, reflecting their pelagic feeding range. They can dive up to 7 meters to chase prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN classifies the Grey-headed Albatross as endangered. Populations are declining, particularly in South Georgia, which hosts about half of the world's population. Threats include illegal or unregulated fishing and longline fishing bycatch. Conservation efforts include research and protection of breeding sites, with some islands designated as nature preserves or World Heritage Sites.