Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Phoebetria fusca
Gazetted date:
31 Jan 1997
Profile last updated:
13 Nov 2024
Description
The Sooty Albatross is dark brown to black in colour, with a slightly darker head than breast. There is a thin white cresent surrounding the eye, and the bill is glossy black with a pale yellow-orange stripe along the sides of the lower jaw. The feet and legs are pale grey. Juveniles are similar to adults, with a less pronounced bill stripe. Individuals are generally silent at sea however in display they may scream 'pee-pooo'.
Distribution
The Sooty Albatross occurs in the South Atlantic and southern Indian Oceans, and has not been recorded in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and South America. In Australian waters, this species is generally recorded in winter off the south coast from Tasmania to Western Australia, while there are occasional sightings off the NSW coast, north of Grafton. The species has not been recorded in any NSW conservation reserves.
Habitat and ecology
- This pelagic or ocean-going species inhabits subantarctic and subtropical marine waters, spending the majority of its time at sea, and rarely occurs in continental shelf waters.
- While at sea, this agile species soars on strong winds and when calm, rests on the ocean.
- Individuals are generally solitary while at sea, although small groups of 2-3 birds have been recorded.
- The species feeds on fish, crustaceans, offal and squid and although solitary, individuals may forage at night in mixed-species flocks.
- The species is thought to capture food by seizing prey from the water's surface while swimming, by landing on top of prey, and the species may follow fishing vessels for short periods.
- This species nests in small breeding colonies of up to 100 nests, on subantarctic islands including Prince Edwards Island, Iles Crozet, Iles des Apotres and Iles Kerguelen.
- Nests are located amongst vegetation on steep cliffs and consist of a mound of mud and plant matter, lined with grass.
- Pairs bond for life and these bonds are re-established with complex displays at nest sites on arrival at breeding areas.
- The species is highly territorial and defends its nests with threat displays.
- Breeding occurs August-December, when a single egg is laid and incubated for 65-75 days by both parents.
- Both parents feed and guard the young for approximately 5 months before they fledge and become independent.
- Life bonds are made at 3-4 years and first breeding is at 9-15 years.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Disturbance on breeding islands, including frequent fires and predation of young by rats.
- Longline fishing operations may threaten the species.
- Pollution from plastics, oil and chemicals.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Avoid throwing rubbish overboard from boats.
- Clean up rubbish along coastlines.
- Observe bag limits for recreational fishing activities.
- Implement predator control programs.
- Protect ocean and coastline from pollution.
- Preservation of areas where this species is known to breed and forage.
- Support commercial fishing limits to help achieve a sustainable industry.
- Support the replacement of longline fishing by other techniques.
- Encourage the use of fishing techniques that reduce the catch of seabirds, including the setting of lines for fishing operations at night and weighting of lines to ensure that they sink quickly.
Information sources
- NSW Scientific Committee (1997) Sooty albatross - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|
| Ocean | Batemans Shelf |
Predicted
| None |
| Ocean | Hawkesbury Shelf |
Known
| None |
| Ocean | Manning Shelf |
Predicted
| None |
| Ocean | South Pacific Ocean |
Known
| None |
| Ocean | Tweed-Moreton |
Predicted
| None |
| Ocean | Twofold Shelf |
Predicted
| None |
| Other State | SA |
Known
| None |