The black-footed albatross is a large seabird of the albatross family Diomedeidae from the North Pacific. All but 2.5% of the population is found among the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It is one of three species of albatross that range in the Northern Hemisphere, nesting on isolated tropical islands. Unlike many albatrosses, it is dark plumaged.
Region
North Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
Primarily pelagic across the North Pacific, especially around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands during the breeding season. It forages widely along productive upwelling systems such as the California Current and into the Gulf of Alaska and western Pacific waters off Japan. Nests on low, sandy or coral islands with sparse vegetation and open approaches to the sea. Often concentrates over continental shelf edges and seamounts where squid and fish are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-footed albatross is unusual among albatrosses for its mostly dark, sooty-brown plumage and namesake black feet. It spends the vast majority of its life soaring over the North Pacific, using dynamic soaring to cover huge distances with minimal effort. Major threats include longline fisheries bycatch and ingestion of marine plastics, though conservation actions at breeding colonies have helped stabilize many populations.
Black-footed Albatross dancing
Temperament
social at sea and colonial at nesting sites
Flight Pattern
soaring glider using dynamic soaring with minimal wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies on remote islands and forms long-term pair bonds after elaborate courtship displays that include bill clacking and synchronized dances. Typically lays a single egg and both parents share incubation and chick rearing. Strong site fidelity with adults returning to the same colony and often the same nesting area in successive years.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include moans, brays, and wails, often accompanied by bill clapping during courtship. Calls are most frequent at colonies and are otherwise infrequent at sea.
Plumage
Mostly sooty to dark chocolate-brown with paler mottling on the face and nape; whitish undertail coverts and at the base of the tail are common. Feathers are sleek and water-resistant for oceanic life.
Diet
Feeds mainly on squid, small fishes, fish eggs, and crustaceans, often taken from the surface. It also scavenges natural carrion and fishery discards. Frequently feeds at night when many squid rise closer to the surface. Like many oceanic birds, it may accidentally ingest floating plastics.
Preferred Environment
Open-ocean waters over continental shelf edges, seamounts, and productive upwelling zones. Often follows ocean fronts and will occasionally attend fishing vessels where discards are available.
