The grey-headed albatross also known as the gray-headed mollymawk, is a large seabird from the albatross family. It has a circumpolar distribution, nesting on isolated islands in the Southern Ocean and feeding at high latitudes, further south than any of the other mollymawks. Its name derives from its ashy-gray head, throat and upper neck.
Region
Southern Ocean
Typical Environment
Circumpolar in the Southern Ocean, ranging widely across the South Atlantic, South Indian, and South Pacific Oceans. Breeds on subantarctic islands including South Georgia, Prince Edward and Marion, Crozet, Kerguelen, Macquarie, Campbell, and Heard and McDonald. Forages primarily over cold waters near the Antarctic Polar Front and along productive shelf edges and upwelling zones. Outside the breeding season, adults and immatures disperse widely across high-latitude oceans while remaining largely pelagic. Colonies are on steep, tussock-covered slopes and sea cliffs with open access to wind.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-headed albatross is a master of dynamic soaring, riding Southern Ocean winds for hours with barely a wingbeat. It forages farther south than other mollymawks, often near the Antarctic Polar Front. Pairs are long-lived and typically breed biennially after successfully raising a chick. Major threats include bycatch in longline and trawl fisheries and changes in ocean conditions.
Chick at nest
Flying near Tasmania, Southern Ocean
Temperament
pelagic and wary near land; strongly site-faithful at colonies
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, nesting in loose to dense colonies on cliffs and tussock slopes. Forms long-term pair bonds and performs elaborate bill-circling and bill-clapping displays. Typically breeds biennially after a successful breeding attempt due to the long chick-rearing period.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet at sea, but at colonies gives nasal wails, clucks, and braying calls. Courtship involves rhythmic bill-clapping and soft moans and grunts.
