Buller's albatross or Buller's mollymawk, is a small mollymawk in the albatross family.
Region
South Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
Primarily pelagic, frequenting temperate waters around New Zealand and the Subtropical Convergence, and dispersing eastward into the South Pacific, sometimes reaching the coasts of Chile and Peru. It forages along productive shelf breaks, upwelling zones, and oceanic fronts. Breeding occurs on tussock-covered slopes and cliffs of small offshore islands, including the Snares, Solander, Chatham, and Three Kings groups. Away from colonies it is almost never seen inland, remaining over open ocean.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Buller’s mollymawk, this small albatross breeds mainly on remote New Zealand islands and ranges widely across the South Pacific. It is a master of dynamic soaring, using wind gradients over the ocean to travel huge distances with minimal effort. Fisheries bycatch is the primary threat, though improved mitigation has helped some populations recover. Two subspecies are recognized, with breeding colonies split between southern and northern island groups.
Buller's Albatross with a Short-tailed shearwater behind, East of the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, Australia
Buller's albatross (Thalassarche bulleri). Note the two parasites just under the feathers.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Highly colonial breeder, nesting in dense groups on remote islands. Pairs are largely monogamous and show strong site fidelity, typically laying a single egg per season. Both parents share long incubation and chick-rearing duties, and nonbreeding birds often attend colonies.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet at sea; at colonies it produces cackles, grunts, and bill-clapping during displays. Calls are most frequent during courtship and territory interactions on the nesting grounds.
Plumage
Pale grey head and nape with a white forehead and clean white underparts; upperwings and back are dark slate to black with striking black-and-white contrast on the underwings.
Diet
Feeds mainly on squid, small fish, and crustaceans, often seizing prey from the surface or just below. It readily scavenges fishery discards and offal behind vessels. Foraging strategy includes surface-seizing, shallow plunges, and pursuit in brief dives. It exploits oceanic fronts and convergences where prey is concentrated.
Preferred Environment
Open ocean, especially along continental shelf edges, upwelling zones, and productive frontal systems. Frequently associates with fishing fleets where food is predictably available.
