nr.404 & nr. 1996179
Blackbrowed Albatrosses tending each others feathers, New Island
Falkland Islands.
Circumpolar in southern oceans. Breeds Staten, Falklands, South Georgia,
Kerguelen, Heard, Antipodes and Macquarie Islands.
Length: 80-83 cm Wingspan: 245 cm Stands: 63 cm
Head, upper shoulders and under parts are all white. Dark eyebrow and
dark grey-black patch around upper area of eye gives a distinctive look.
In breeding birds this eyebrow extends as a light greyish cast around back
of head. Bill dull buff-yellow, with salmon-pink tip and upper mandible.
Tail light grey. Upper wings grey-black. Under wings have black leading
edge, with grey primaries and a grey to blackish-grey trailing edge enclosing
an area of white. Feet and legs light-grey. Returns to breeding grounds
mid-September and egg laying begins 8-10 October. Incubation of single
egg lasts for 68-72 days and fledgelings are reared for 16-17 weeks until
they are leaving the nest in April. Often forms colonies in association
with Rockhopper penguins and generally on elevated sites where birds can
use updrafts for flying in and out. Generally scavenge, taking variety
of food from sea surface, notably Lobster Krill and squid.