BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS Diomedea melanophris

BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS Diomedea melanophris

L 80–95 cm, WS 213–246 cm.

IDENTIFICATION 

Vagrant from Southern Oceans. Most frequently recorded albatross in N Atlantic. Often follows ships. Adult distinguished from other albatrosses by very broad black band along leading edge of underwing, all orange-yellow bill and dark ‘brow’ (much more conspicuous than in other molly  mawks). Broadest point of black band is about midway along arm. Juvenile distinguished from all albatrosses by largely dark underwing (which shows only an ill-defined whitish strip along centre), by greyish-brown bill with blackish tip (can look quite obviously black-tipped) and (from Yellow-nosed but not Shy) by dusky collar extending from nape almost to encircle neck.

SEX/AGE 

In immature, basal two-thirds of blackishtipped bill first becomes pale brownish, then yellowish, before all orange-yellow adult coloration adopted.

VOICE 

Usually silent at sea.

STATUS/HABITAT 

Vagrant (W Europe, Spitsbergen). Only nominate race recorded. Away from breeding colonies pelagic, only locally coming close to shore. Several individuals have taken up long-term residence in Northern Gannet colonies in our region.