Grey-headed Albatross

The grey-headed albatross, 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 is recognized for its impressive wingspan and oceanic prowess.

Identification Tips

Adult grey-headed albatrosses measure approximately 81 cm in length with a wingspan stretching to 2.2 meters. They weigh between 2.8 to 4.4 kg, with an average mass of 3.65 kg. Their plumage features a dark ashy-grey coloration on the head, throat, and upper neck, with upper wings, mantle, and tail that are nearly black. A white rump and underparts contrast sharply with the dark plumage, along with a white crescent behind the eyes. The bill is a striking black with bright yellow upper and lower ridges, fading to a pink-orange at the tip. Juveniles can be identified by their black bill and head, a darker nape, a less distinct eye crescent, and an almost completely dark underwing.

Habitat

These albatrosses breed on isolated islands in the Southern Ocean, favoring colonies on steep slopes or cliffs adorned with tussock grass.

Distribution

The grey-headed albatross has a circumpolar distribution, nesting on remote islands in the Southern Ocean. Significant breeding populations are found on South Georgia Island, Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands, Campbell Island, Macquarie Island, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, and Islas Diego Ramirez.

Behaviour

Grey-headed albatrosses are highly pelagic when at sea, preferring the open oceans to continental shelves. They are known to dive as deep as 7 meters to pursue prey, although this is not a common behavior. After fledging, chicks may not return to the colony for 6-7 years and will not breed until several years later. Successful breeding pairs often take a year off before attempting to raise another chick.

Breeding

A single egg is laid in a large nest and incubated for 72 days. The growing chick is fed every 1.2 days, reaching a weight of around 4,900 g before fledging at 141 days.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the grey-headed albatross consists predominantly of squid, supplemented by fish, crustacea, carrion, cephalopods, and lampreys. Krill is a less significant part of their diet, reflecting their pelagic feeding range.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the grey-headed albatross as endangered. The population, estimated at 250,000 in 2004, has been declining, particularly on South Georgia Island, which hosts about half of the global population. Threats include illegal or unregulated fishing and longline fishing bycatch. Conservation efforts include ongoing studies and the designation of several breeding sites as nature preserves or World Heritage Sites.