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.

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

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.

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.

Black-browed Albatross Photography

Mark Stratton

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Flying the Drake!

A black-browed albatross flies over the infamous Drake Passage

Mike Unwin

Rb 57 Black Browed Albatross Falkland Islands Mike Unwin

Pair

A pair of black-browed albatross on the Falkland Islands

Mark Stratton

Falklands Black Browed Albatross Close Up 495

Strike a pose

Black-browed Albatross posing for the camera.

Mike Unwin

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Chicks

Black-browed Albatross chicks in the Falkland Islands.

Where to see Black-browed Albatrosses

They are found throughout the Southern Ocean and adjacent waters, including the southern Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

Interesting facts about Black-browed Albatrosses

Albatrosses have been featured in maritime folklore and literature, often symbolising good luck for sailors.

Their dynamic soaring technique allows them to glide for hours without flapping their wings, taking advantage of wind currents over the ocean.

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