Black Browed Albatross

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About the Black Browed Albatross

The Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) is a remarkable seabird known for its impressive wingspan, striking plumage, and wide-ranging oceanic lifestyle.

The black-browed albatross is easily identifiable by its white head and body, which contrast with dark upper wings and a black "eyebrow" marking above the eyes. It has a yellow-orange bill with a pink tip and dark underwing markings.

They are medium-sized albatrosses with a wingspan of 2.1-2.5 metres and a body length of 80-95 cm.

Surface feeders primarily, they eat fish, squid, and crustaceans. They also scavenge offal from fishing boats.

They are known for their dynamic soaring flight, which allows them to cover large distances with minimal energy expenditure.

Commonality of Black-browed Albatross

Black-browed Albatrosses are highly migratory, travelling thousands of kilometres across the oceans. They are known to circumnavigate the globe in search of food.

Protection & Threats

The global population is estimated to be around 1.2 million individuals. The IUCN currently lists them as Least Concern, but certain populations face significant pressures.

One of the biggest threats to Black-browed Albatrosses is bycatch in longline and trawl fisheries. Birds are often accidentally caught on fishing hooks or entangled in nets.

Climate Change

Rising sea levels can lead to losing coastal nesting sites on low-lying islands. Many breeding sites are on remote islands vulnerable to erosion and submersion.