About the Southern Royal Albatross
The southern royal albatross or toroa is a large seabird from the albatross family. With an average wingspan of above 3 m (9.8 ft), it is one of the two largest species of albatross, together with the wandering albatross. Recent studies indicate that the southern royal albatross may, on average, be somewhat larger than the wandering albatross in mass and have a similar wingspan, although other sources indicate roughly similar size for the two species and the wandering species may have a larger average wingspan in some colonies.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The southern royal albatross has a length of 112 to 123 cm (44–48 in) and a mean weight of 8.5 kg (19 lb). At Campbell Island, 11 males were found to have a mean mass of 10.3 kg (23 lb) and 7 females were found to have a mean mass of 7.7 kg (17 lb), thus may be heavier on average than most colonies of wandering albatross. Males are about 2 to 3 kg (4.4 to 6.6 lb) heavier than females. Average wingspan has been reported from 2.9 to 3.28 m (9.5 to 10.8 ft), with an upper limit of about 3.50 m (11.5 ft).
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Southern Royal Albatross lives
When to see the Southern Royal Albatross
Peak activity in December · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Northern Royal AlbatrossDiomedea sanfordiThe northern royal albatross is typically about 115 cm (45 in) tall, weighs 6.2 to 8.2 kg (14–18 lb), and has a wingspan from 270 to 305 cm (106–120 in).
Antipodean AlbatrossDiomedea antipodensisThe Antipodean is large, at 110 cm (43 in) in length.
Snowy AlbatrossDiomedea exulansThe plumage varies with age, with the juveniles starting chocolate brown.
Learn the Southern Royal Albatross in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.