Nature conservation

Threatened species

Black-browed Albatross - profile

Indicative distribution


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Key:
known
predicted
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. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Thalassarche melanophris
Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable
Commonwealth status: Vulnerable
Gazetted date: 31 Jan 1997
Profile last updated: 13 Nov 2024

Description

The Black-browed Albatross (formerly Diomedea melanophris) is a large seadbird with a wingspan of up to 2.4m. The upperwings, back and tail are black and the rest of the body and head is white. There is a small black brow over the dark eye and the bill is yellow, tipped with pink. The underwings are white with broad black margins. They are superb gliders, consistently flying in a wheeling pattern. They also rest on the sea and may be confused with sitting gannets.

Distribution

The Black-browed Albatross has a circumpolar range over the southern oceans, and are seen off the southern Australian coast mainly during winter. This species migrates to waters off the continental shelf from approximately May to November and is regularly recorded off the NSW coast during this period. The species has also been recorded in Botany Bay National Park.

Habitat and ecology

  • Inhabits antarctic, subantarctic, subtropical marine and coastal waters over upwellings and boundaries of currents.
  • Can tolerate water temperatures between 0ºC and 24ºC.
  • Spends most of its time at sea, breeding on small isolated islands.
  • When at sea, individuals soar on strong winds and rest on the ocean, when calm, often in groups.
  • This species feeds on fish, crustaceans, offal and squid and often forages in flocks with other seabirds.
  • Individuals seize prey from the surface while swimming or landing, sometimes submerging their head and body to capture prey underwater, and they scavenge in large flocks behind fishing vessels.
  • This species nests annually on a mound of soil and vegetation, on the cliffs or steep slopes of vegetated antarctic and subantarctic islands.
  • Colonies of up to 100,000 nests are formed, occasionally containing other species such as the Grey-headed Albatross, during which time the birds are territorial while nesting.
  • Breeding occurs September-December, when a single egg is laid and incubated for 65-72 days by both parents.
  • Both parents feed and guard the young for 4-5 months before they fledge and become independent.
  • After breeding, the fledgling and adults leave the breeding colony, with the young reaching breeding age at approximately 11 years of age.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.


Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources

IBRA Bioregion IBRA Subregion Known or predicted Geographic restrictions region
OceanBatemans Shelf Known None
OceanHawkesbury Shelf Known None
OceanManning Shelf Known None
OceanSouth Pacific Ocean Known None
OceanTweed-Moreton Known None
OceanTwofold Shelf Known None
Ocean - Other StateSouthern Australian Coastal Waters Known None
Other StateJervis Bay Territory Known None
Other StateSA Known None
Other StateVIC Known None