A Black-browed Albatross was again seen in Alderney waters on 28^th June 2012.

Black-browed Albatross

The Black-browed Albatross - Thalassarche melanophrys - is the most widespread and common member of the Albatross family. It is circumpolar in the southern oceans. They can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years.

Description

A medium sized Albatross. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump, and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad, irregular, black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-colored bills with dark tips, and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that identify it from other Albatross’s are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill, tipped darker orange.

Call

They bray and cackle harshly at breeding sites.

Food

It feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, carrion and fishery discards.

Breeding

This species normally nests on steep slopes covered with tussock grass and sometimes on cliffs. In the Falklands it nests on flat grassland on the coast. They are annual breeders, laying one egg, between September 20 and November 1. Incubation is done by both sexes and last 68 to 71 days. After hatching, the chicks take 120 to 130 days to fledge. Juveniles will return to the colony after two to three years but only to practice courtship rituals, as they will start breeding around the 10th year.

Conservation Status – Endangered

It is classified as endangered due to drastic reduction in population. These declines have been attributed to the impact of incidental mortality in longline and trawl fisheries.

Birdwatching

Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a tour for your or book on one of the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -

Aves Western Cape Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure.

Aves West Coast Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure.