Short-tailed Albatross

Phoebastria albatrusOrder: PASSERIFORMESFamily: Albatross (Diomedeidae)

Breeding Location:

Islands, flat



Breeding Type:

Monogamous, Colonial, Mates for life



Breeding Population:

Increasing, Rare



Egg Color:

White with red spots



Number of Eggs:

1



Incubation Days:

65



Egg Incubator:

Both sexes



Nest Material:

Grass, sand, and volcanic debris.



Migration:

Migratory



Splitbar

Overview

Short-tailed Albatross: Largest and only white-bodied albatross in the North Pacific. The head and nape have a golden-yellow cast. White wings have black edges and tips. Tail is white with black fringe. Legs and feet are pink-gray. AKA Steller's Albatross. Almost became extinct in late 19th century.

Range and Habitat

Short-tailed Albatross: Endangered species. Once frequent in the northwestern Pacific. Currently, an estimated 200 nest on Torishima, an island south of Japan. Travels to Bering Sea and Alaska south along the Pacific coast south to California after breeding.

Breeding and Nesting

Short-tailed Albatross: One white egg with red spots is laid on the ground in a nest made of grass, twigs, and volcanic debris. Both parents incubate the egg for about 65 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Short-tailed Albatross: Feeds on fish, shrimp, squid, and crustaceans picked up from the water surface; not known to follow boats like some other albatross species.

Readily Eats

Vocalization

Short-tailed Albatross: Usually silent.

Similar Species

Short-tailed Albatross: None in range.

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Family Albatross (Diomedeidae)_blue
Species Phoebastria albatrus
Length36 Inches
Wingspan83 Inches

Short-tailed Albatross

Short-tailed Albatross: Largest and only white-bodied albatross in the North Pacific. The head and nape have a golden-yellow cast. White wings have black edges and tips. Tail is white with black fringe. Legs and feet are pink-gray. AKA Steller's Albatross. Almost became extinct in late 19th century.

● Song: Generally silent

● Foraging & Feeding: Short-tailed Albatross: Feeds on fish, shrimp, squid, and crustaceans picked up from the water surface; not known to follow boats like some other albatross species.

● Breeding & nesting: Short-tailed Albatross: One white egg with red spots is laid on the ground in a nest made of grass, twigs, and volcanic debris. Both parents incubate the egg for about 65 days.

● Similar species: Short-tailed Albatross: None in range.

Flight Pattern

Dynamic soaring., Glides for hours.
Short-tailed Albatross Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: Short-tailed Albatross: Endangered species. Once frequent in the northwestern Pacific. Currently, an estimated 200 nest on Torishima, an island south of Japan. Travels to Bering Sea and Alaska south along the Pacific coast south to California after breeding.
BreedingMonogamous, Colonial, Mates for life
PopulationIncreasing, Rare
MigrationMigratory
Weight120 Ounces