Amsterdam Albatross
NameAmsterdam Albatross
Common NameAmsterdam Albatross
Scientific NameDiomedea amsterdamensis
FamilyDiomedeidae
Wingspan (cm)310
Length (cm)115
Weight (g)6500
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark sooty-brown plumage over most of the body, with a distinctive white face and throat, often with a dark eye patch. The bill is pinkish with a dark tip. Underwings are dark with a white central panel. Juveniles are darker overall.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include grunts, groans, and bill-clacking, particularly during courtship displays and territorial interactions at the breeding colony.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean, where it breeds. It forages widely across the southern Indian Ocean.
Identifying Featureslarge size, dark brown body plumage, white face with dark eye patch, pinkish bill with dark tip, long, narrow wings for soaring
Description
This large albatross is characterized by its dark brown plumage, contrasting white face, and distinctive pinkish bill. It spends most of its life soaring effortlessly over the open ocean, returning to its remote island breeding grounds only to nest.
