The shy albatross, also known as the shy mollymawk, is a medium-sized albatross that breeds on three remote islands off the coast of Tasmania, Australia, in the southern Indian Ocean. Its lifespan is about 60 years, and it has been seen as far afield as South Africa and the Pacific coast of the United States. As of June 2020, the species is listed as "Endangered" in Australia; there are thought to be 15,000 pairs of shy albatross left. It is Australia's only endemic albatross.
Region
Southern Ocean and southern Australian waters
Typical Environment
Shy albatrosses breed on Albatross Island, Mewstone, and Pedra Branca off Tasmania, then range widely at sea. They commonly forage across the Great Australian Bight, Bass Strait, and the Tasman Sea, favoring productive shelf edges and frontal zones. They are pelagic and rarely approach land outside the breeding season. Vagrant individuals have been recorded as far as South Africa and the Pacific coast of North America.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The shy albatross breeds only on three tiny islands off Tasmania, making it Australia’s only endemic albatross. It is a master of dynamic soaring, covering vast distances with minimal wingbeats while foraging for squid and fish. Longline bycatch and climate-driven changes in ocean conditions remain key threats. Individuals can live for 50–60 years and form long-term pair bonds, raising a single chick each season.
Over pelagic waters off the southeast coast of Tasmania
Thalassarche cauta steadi
Shy albatross frequently follow fishing boats
Temperament
wary and pelagic
Flight Pattern
soaring glider using dynamic soaring and slope lift
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on remote sea stacks and islands, with long-term pair bonds. A single egg is laid, and both parents share incubation and chick rearing. Outside breeding, birds are typically solitary or in loose aggregations around rich feeding areas or fishing vessels.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are mostly harsh croaks, grunts, and wails at colonies, accompanied by bill-clapping during displays. At sea they are generally quiet, calling occasionally during interactions with conspecifics or around food.
Plumage
Mostly white head and underparts with silvery-grey upperwings and mantle; blackish flight feathers and narrow dark margins to the underwing. Clean white underwing with a fine black leading and trailing edge. Overall sleek, smooth plumage typical of mollymawks.
Diet
Feeds primarily on squid, fish, and crustaceans, often taking prey from the surface or just below. It will scavenge carrion and offal from fishing vessels when available. Foraging often targets productive ocean fronts and upwellings, and birds may travel hundreds of kilometers between feeding bouts.
Preferred Environment
Open pelagic waters over continental shelf edges and oceanic fronts. Frequently attends fishing boats for discards, but also forages naturally in wind-swept, productive seas far from land.
