The Amsterdam albatross or Amsterdam Island albatross,, is a large albatross which breeds only on Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean. It was only described in 1983, and was thought by some researchers to be a subspecies of the wandering albatross, D. exulans. BirdLife International and the IOC recognize it as a species, James Clements does not, and the SACC has a proposal on the table to split the species. More recently, mitochondrial DNA comparisons between the Amsterdam albatross, the wandering albatross Diomedea exulans, the Antipodean albatross D. antipodensis and the Tristan albatross D. dabbenena, provide clear genetic evidence that the Amsterdam albatross is a separate species.
Region
Southern Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Outside the breeding season this albatross ranges widely over pelagic waters between southern Africa and Australia, mostly north of the Antarctic Polar Front. It favors open-ocean fronts and productive upwelling zones where squid and fish are concentrated. Breeding occurs only on Amsterdam Island, on windswept upland peat bogs and tussock meadows. Nests are built on open moorland where steady winds aid takeoff and landing.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This great albatross breeds only on Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean and was described as a species in 1983. Genetic studies confirm it is distinct from the wandering albatross complex. It breeds biennially, producing a single egg and investing many months in raising the chick. Main threats include longline bycatch, disease, and past habitat degradation, though conservation actions have led to a slow recovery.
Adult in flight, showing dark plumage typical of the species.
Temperament
solitary and wide-ranging at sea; cohesive and site-faithful at colonies
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Pairs form long-term bonds and perform elaborate bill-circling, sky-pointing, and vocal duets during courtship. A single egg is laid on a raised nest of peat and vegetation; incubation and chick-rearing are shared. Successful breeders typically skip the following season (biennial breeding) due to the long rearing period.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations at the colony include nasal wails, moans, and clucks, often accompanied by bill clapping. Calls are most frequent during displays and territorial interactions near the nest.
