ID Keys: Thin yellow stripe on top of bill, adults white underneath
with dark upperwings and back
The
Yellow-nosed Albatross is a relatively small albatross that is normally
found in the southern Atlantic and southern Indian oceans. They are
rare visitors off the coast of North America, but there, they have been
spotted in a number of locations, from the Gulf Coasts of Texas and Florida,
to a number of sightings off the Atlantic coast in New England and the
mid-Atlantic states.
Habitat
Breeds on islands in the southern
Atlantic and Indian oceans, but not as far south as some albatross species.
Outside of the breeding season, may be found across waters of both oceans,
often in relatively warm subtropical waters.
Diet
Feeds heavily on squid, but will also take
fish and crustaceans.
Behavior
Typically feeds by floating on the
ocean's surface and grabbing squid and other prey. Also capable of
making short dives. They are attracted to fishing vessels and other
ships, and will often feed heavily on scraps and refuse that these ships
release.
Nesting
The nest of a Yellow-nosed Albatross is a
mound constructed of mud, moss, feathers, and grasses. The female lays
one egg, and both the male and female take turns incubating it. Upon
hatching, both parents will tend to and feed the young. Yellow-nosed
Albatross breed each year.
Song
Usually silent when at sea.
Migration
Breeds in the southern Atlantic and
Indian Oceans. Non-breeding birds wander in both oceans, but are only rare
visitors north of the equator.
Similar to Laysan Albatross,
Black-footed Albatross, and
Short-tailed Albatross, but near North America, those species are seen
in the Pacific Ocean, while Yellow-nosed Albatross sightings have been off
the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S.
