Gray-headed Albatross
NameGray-headed Albatross
Common NameGray-headed Albatross
Scientific NameThalassarche chrysostoma
FamilyDiomedeidae
Wingspan (cm)200
Length (cm)78
Weight (g)3600
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark gray head, neck, and upper back. The wings are dark gray, and the tail is also dark. The underparts are pure white. The most striking feature is the black bill with a bright yellow stripe along the culmen (top) and a yellow-orange stripe along the lower mandible, ending in a pinkish tip.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations at colonies include various braying, gurgling, and croaking sounds, often used during courtship displays and territorial interactions.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeCircumpolar in the Southern Ocean, breeding on remote subantarctic islands such as South Georgia, Campbell Island, Macquarie Island, Kerguelen, Crozet, and Prince Edward Islands.
Identifying FeaturesGray head and neck, Dark back and wings, White underparts, Black bill with prominent yellow stripes on upper and lower mandibles
Description
The Gray-headed Albatross is a medium-sized albatross with a distinctive gray head and neck, contrasting with its dark back and white underparts. It is a highly pelagic species, spending most of its life at sea, only returning to remote subantarctic islands to breed.
