Bird species profile
Black-browed Albatross
Thalassarche melanophris
- Order
- Procellariiformes
- Family
- Diomedeidae
About the species
The Black-browed Albatross is a large seabird with a wingspan reaching up to 2.4 meters. Its name comes from the distinctive dark stripe above its eyes, giving it a stern expression. This species breeds in large colonies on remote islands around southern South America, including the Falklands and islands off southern Chile and Argentina. Black-browed Albatrosses are highly skilled gliders, using wind currents over the ocean to travel vast distances with minimal effort. They are long-lived birds, with some individuals reaching over 70 years of age. Their graceful flight and striking appearance make them a favorite among birdwatchers and researchers in Patagonia.
Habitat
Open southern oceans, coastal waters, and remote islands for breeding, especially around southern South America and subantarctic regions.
Foraging
Feeds mainly at sea, snatching fish, squid, and crustaceans from the surface, often following fishing vessels for scraps.
