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Sea BirdsShort-tailed Albatross
Short-tailed Albatross
Common Name: Short-tailed Albatross
Scientific Name: Phoebastria albatrus
Description
With a wingspan of over 2 meters (over7 feet),
the short-tailed albatross is the largest
seabird in the North Pacific. Itslong, narrow wings are adapted
to soaring low over the ocean. It is best distinguished from
other albatrosses by its large, bubblegum-pink bill. Young
birds also have the large pink bill, but their feathers are
dark chocolate brown, gradually turning white as the bird
ages. Adults have an entirely white back, white or light gold
head and back of neck, and black and white wings.
Range and Population Level
Historically, millions of short-tailed
albatrosses bred in the western North Pacific on
several islands south of the main islands of Japan. Only two
breeding colonies remain active today: Torishima Island and
Minami-kojima Island, Japan. In addition, a single nest was
recently found on Yomejima Island of the Ogasawara Island
group in Japan. Single nests also occasionally occur on Midway
Island, HI. Short-tailed albatrosses forage
widely across the temperate and subarctic North Pacific, and
can be seen in the Gulf of Alaska, along the Aleutian Islands,
and in the Bering Sea. The world population is currently estimated
to be about 1200 birds and is increasing.
Habitat and Habits
Like many seabirds, short-tailed albatrosses
are slow to reproduce and are long-lived, with some known
to be over 40 years old. They begin breeding at about 7 or
8 years, and mate for life. Short-tailed albatrosses
nest on sloping grassy terraces on two rugged, isolated, windswept
islands in Japan. Pairs lay a single egg each year in October
or November. Eggs hatch in late December through early January.
Chicks remain near the nest for about 5 months, fledging in
June. After breeding, short-tailed albatrosses
move to feeding areas in the North Pacific. When feeding,
albatrosses alight on the ocean surface and seize their prey,
including squid, fish, and shrimp.
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