Shy Albatross

Thalassarche cautaOrder: PASSERIFORMESFamily: Albatross (Diomedeidae)

Breeding Location:

Islands, flat



Breeding Type:

Monogamous, Colonial



Breeding Population:

Uncommon to common



Egg Color:

White with red brown flecks



Number of Eggs:

1



Incubation Days:

62 - 66



Egg Incubator:

Both sexes



Nest Material:

Earth and vegetation.



Migration:

Migratory



Splitbar

Overview

Shy Albatross: Large seabird with white body and gray back. The bill is gray with a yellow tip and base. Underwing is white with diagnostic narrow black margin. Tail is gray. Legs and feet are pink. Soaring flight on stiff, slightly drooped wings. Often interuppted with several slow deep wing beats.

Range and Habitat

Shy Albatross: Breeds on only three islands, south of Tasmania, including Albatross Island, Mewstone, and Pedra Branca. Nests on rocks and feeds in waters over the continental shelf, including in harbors and bays.

Breeding and Nesting

Shy Albatross: One white egg with red brown flecks is laid on a sturdy column of packed earth and vegetation built on a rocky terrace or broad ledge, usually on a slope overlooking the sea. Incubation ranges from 62 to 66 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Shy Albatross: Feeds on fish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and tunicates caught at the water surface; follows fishing vessels in flocks to feed on garbage thrown overboard.

Readily Eats

Vocalization

Shy Albatross: Usually silent.

Similar Species

Shy Albatross: Laysan Albatross has darker back, shorter bill, and less white on rump.

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Family Albatross (Diomedeidae)_blue
Species Thalassarche cauta
Length35 - 40 Inches
Wingspan87 Inches

Shy Albatross

Shy Albatross: Large seabird with white body and gray back. The bill is gray with a yellow tip and base. Underwing is white with diagnostic narrow black margin. Tail is gray. Legs and feet are pink. Soaring flight on stiff, slightly drooped wings. Often interuppted with several slow deep wing beats.

● Song: Generally silent

● Foraging & Feeding: Shy Albatross: Feeds on fish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and tunicates caught at the water surface; follows fishing vessels in flocks to feed on garbage thrown overboard.

● Breeding & nesting: Shy Albatross: One white egg with red brown flecks is laid on a sturdy column of packed earth and vegetation built on a rocky terrace or broad ledge, usually on a slope overlooking the sea. Incubation ranges from 62 to 66 days and is carried out by both parents.

● Similar species: Shy Albatross: Laysan Albatross has darker back, shorter bill, and less white on rump.

Flight Pattern

Soars on strong wings.
Shy Albatross Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: Shy Albatross: Breeds on only three islands, south of Tasmania, including Albatross Island, Mewstone, and Pedra Branca. Nests on rocks and feeds in waters over the continental shelf, including in harbors and bays.
BreedingMonogamous, Colonial
PopulationUncommon to common
MigrationMigratory
Weight144 Ounces