About the Shy Albatross
The Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta) is a species documented in our database. Learn more about this species through the information below.
Conservation Status
Shy Albatross is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Population Trend
declining
Current Threats
- Climate change
- Overfishing
- Pollution
- Habitat degradation
Photo Gallery
1 photos available
Geographic Distribution
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Distribution by Region
Australia
Continent: Oceania
Country: Australia
Region: Southern coast
New Zealand
Continent: Oceania
Country: New Zealand
Region: Southern coast
South Africa
Continent: Africa
Country: South Africa
Region: Southern coast
Distribution Overview
The Shy Albatross breeds on islands in the southern hemisphere and spends the rest of the year at sea, roaming the Southern Ocean.
Quick Facts
- Size
- 90 - 100 cm
- Weight
- 3 - 4 kg
- Lifespan
- up to 50-60 years years
- Diet
- KrillSmall fish (sardines, anchovies)Cephalopods (squid, octopus)Carrion
Habitat
Open oceanIslandsCoastal waters
Behavior
- Spends most of its life at sea, feeding on krill, fish, and cephalopods
- Breeds on islands, forming large colonies
- Engages in monogamous breeding, with pairs forming during breeding season
- Females lay one egg, which is incubated for approximately 80 days
- Both parents care for young, which leave the nest after approximately 120-140 days