Light-mantled Albatross
NameLight-mantled Albatross
Common NameLight-mantled Albatross
Scientific NamePhoebetria palpebrata
FamilyDiomedeidae
Wingspan (cm)200
Length (cm)84
Weight (g)3100
Plumage DetailsPlumage is predominantly sooty brown on the head, throat, and wings, contrasting with a pale grey mantle and back. A distinctive white crescent is present around the eye. The bill is dark with a pale blue or purplish sulcus (groove) along the lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include various guttural croaks, moans, and whines, particularly during breeding displays and interactions at the colony.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeCircumpolar in the Southern Ocean, breeding on subantarctic islands such as South Georgia, Kerguelen, Macquarie, and Campbell Islands.
Identifying FeaturesSooty brown head contrasting with pale grey mantle, White crescent around the eye, Dark bill with a pale blue/purple sulcus, Long, pointed wings (though not fully visible in image), Graceful, agile flight
Description
The Light-mantled Albatross is a medium-sized albatross with a distinctive sooty brown head and a pale grey mantle, giving it a two-toned appearance. It is known for its graceful, agile flight over the open ocean, often soaring effortlessly on long, pointed wings.
