Northern Royal Albatross
NameNorthern Royal Albatross
Common NameNorthern Royal Albatross
Scientific NameDiomedea sanfordi
FamilyDiomedeidae
Wingspan (cm)300
Length (cm)116
Weight (g)7500
Plumage DetailsAdults have a pure white body and head, with dark brown to black upperwings. The underwings are white with dark tips and a dark leading edge. The large bill is pale pink with a black line along the cutting edge, and the feet are pale pinkish-blue. Juveniles have more extensive dark markings on the body and wings, gradually acquiring adult plumage over several years.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include various grunts, groans, gurgles, and bill-clapping, particularly during courtship rituals and territorial displays at breeding colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeFound primarily in the Southern Ocean, especially around New Zealand. Breeding colonies are almost exclusively located on the Chatham Islands, east of New Zealand.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely large size, Pure white body (adults), Dark upperwings, Pale pink bill with a black line, Long, narrow wings for soaring
Description
The Northern Royal Albatross is a magnificent seabird known for its immense wingspan and graceful soaring flight over the open ocean. Adults are predominantly white with dark upperwings, spending most of their lives at sea, only returning to remote islands to breed.
