Black-footed Albatross vs Laysan Albatross

Black-footed Albatross

Phoebastria nigripes

Huge3.2 kgMarine

The black-footed albatross is a small member of the albatross family (while still large compared to most other seabirds) that has almost all black plumage. Some adults show white undertail coverts, and all adults have white markings around the base of the beak and below the eye. As the birds age they acquire more white at the base of the beak. Its beak and feet are also all dark. They have only the one plumage. They measure 68 to 74 cm (27–29 in), have a wingspan of 190 to 220 cm (6.2–7.2 ft), and weigh 2.6–4.3 kg (5.7–9.5 lb). Males, at an average weight of 3.4 kg (7.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Damien Wallace · CC BY 4.0

Laysan Albatross

Phoebastria immutabilis

Huge3.1 kgMarine

The Laysan albatross averages 81 cm (32 in) in length and has a wingspan of 195 to 203 cm (77–80 in). Males, which weigh 2.4 to 4.1 kg (5.3–9.0 lb), are larger than females, which weigh 1.9 to 3.6 kg (4.2–7.9 lb). This albatross has blackish-gray upperwing, mantle, back, upper rump, and tail, and its head, lower rump, and underparts are white. It has a black smudge around the eye, and its underwing pattern varies between individuals, with some having narrower black margins and variable amounts of black in the underwing coverts. Finally, the bill is pink with a dark tip.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Damien Wallace · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black-footed Albatross and Laysan Albatross.