Marine Wildlife Encyclopedia
Short-tailed Albatross Phoebastria albatrus
This north Pacific albatross almost became extinct during the early 1900s due to demand for its feathers. By 1950, only about 20 birds were left. Thanks to conservation measures, the population now stands at nearly 2,000, all breeding on remote islands in the far west of its range. Adults are mostly white, with black flight feathers, pink bills, and golden-yellow heads.
zoom image
- Order Procellariiformes
- Length 33–37 in (84–94 cm)
- Weight 6–11 lb (3–5 kg)
- Habitat Remote islands (breeding); open ocean
- Distribution North Pacific, Tori Shima Island and Senkaku Islands
zoom image
