Thalassarche cauta (Gould, 1841)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The shy albatross, with the scientific name Thalassarche cauta (Gould, 1841), averages 90 to 99 cm (35–39 in) in length, 220 to 256 cm (87–101 in) in wingspan, and 4.1 kg (9.0 lb) in weight.

Size Classification

Alongside the similarly sized Salvin's albatross, its sister species, the shy albatross is considered the largest of the mollymawks, also called small albatrosses.

Plumage and Underwing Markings

This bird has plumage in black, white and slate-grey, and features the characteristic black thumb mark at the base of the leading edge of the underwing.

Head Coloration

Adult shy albatrosses have a white forehead and crown, which is bordered along its lower edge by a dark eyebrow and a pale grey face.

Body and Wing Coloration

Their mantle, tail and upperwing are grey-black, and the rest of their body is white.

Bill Morphology

Their bill is grey-yellow, with a prominent yellow culmen and a yellow tip.

Lifespan

This species has an average lifespan of about 60 years.

Breeding Endemism

As a breeding bird, the shy albatross is endemic to Australia.

Breeding Colonies

It breeds on three island colonies off Tasmania in the southern Indian Ocean: Albatross Island, Pedra Branca, and the Mewstone.

Endemism Status

It is the only albatross species that is endemic to Australia.

Juvenile Dispersal Range

Juvenile shy albatrosses have been recorded flying as far as South Africa.

Non-breeding Range

Outside of the breeding season, non-breeding individuals can be found across the entire southern oceans.

Range Identification Challenges

It is difficult to determine more specific range details, because the shy albatross closely resembles other related species.

Occurrence Off US Pacific Coast

It is sometimes observed off the Pacific coast of the United States.

Breeding Habitat

Shy albatrosses breed on rocky islands.

Nesting and Reproduction

They build mounded nests from soil, grass, and roots, and lay one egg in the second half of September.