About the Shy Albatross
The shy albatross, also known as the shy mollymawk, is a medium-sized albatross that breeds on three remote islands off the coast of Tasmania, Australia, in the southern Indian Ocean. Its lifespan is about 60 years, and it has been seen as far afield as South Africa and the Pacific coast of the United States. As of June 2020, the species is listed as "Endangered" in Australia; there are thought to be 15,000 pairs of shy albatross left. It is Australia's only endemic albatross.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The shy albatross averages 90 to 99 cm (35–39 in) in length, 220 to 256 cm (87–101 in) wingspan, and 4.1 kg (9.0 lb) in weight. Alongside its similarly sized sister species, the Salvin's albatross, this species is considered the largest of the mollymawks or the small albatrosses. It is a black, white and slate-grey bird with the characteristic black thumb mark at the base of the leading edge of the underwing. Adults have a white forehead and a crown, which is bordered on the bottom with a dark eyebrow and pale grey face. Its mantle, tail and upperwing are grey-black, and the rest is white.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Shy Albatross lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see the Shy Albatross
Peak activity in December · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Grey-headed AlbatrossThalassarche chrysostomaThe grey-headed albatross averages 81 cm (32 in) in length and 2.2 m (7.2 ft) in wingspan.
Salvin's AlbatrossThalassarche salviniSalvin's albatross is about 90 cm (35 in) and 2.56 m (8.4 ft) across the wings.
Buller's AlbatrossThalassarche bulleriBuller's albatross averages 79 cm (31 in).
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