Black-browed Albatross
Thalassarche melanophris
The Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) is a uncommon albatross found in 29 countries, weighing about 3.2 kg. The black-browed albatross, also known as the black-browed mollymawk, is a large seabird of the albatross family Diomedeidae; it is the most widespread and common member of its family.
About the Black-browed Albatross
The black-browed albatross, also known as the black-browed mollymawk, is a large seabird of the albatross family Diomedeidae; it is the most widespread and common member of its family.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The black-browed albatross is a medium-sized albatross, at 80 to 95 cm (31–37 in) long with a 200 to 240 cm (79–94 in) wingspan and an average weight of 2.9 to 4.7 kg (6.4–10.4 lb). It can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump, and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad, irregular, black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-colored bills with dark tips, and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings.
What the Black-browed Albatross sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Norway, United States, Portugal, Canada, France, Iceland, Kenya, Martinique, Spain, Mozambique, Ireland, Cook Islands.
When to see it
The Black-browed Albatross can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-browed Albatross?
- The black-browed albatross is a medium-sized albatross, at 80 to 95 cm (31–37 in) long with a 200 to 240 cm (79–94 in) wingspan and an average weight of 2.9 to 4.7 kg (6.4–10.4 lb). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-browed Albatross?
- The Black-browed Albatross is a huge sized bird weighing about 3.2 kg.
- Where can you see a Black-browed Albatross?
- The Black-browed Albatross occurs in 29 countries, including Australia, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and the Falkland Islands.
- What does a Black-browed Albatross sound like?
- You can listen to 2 field recordings of the Black-browed Albatross on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Black-browed Albatross?
- The Black-browed Albatross is most easily confused with the Shy Albatross, the Grey-headed Albatross and the Salvin's Albatross.
Learn the Black-browed Albatross for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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