Shy albatross

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.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size90–100 cm

Wing Span215–260 cm

Male Weight3.6 kg

Female Weight3.3 kg

Life Expectancy60 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

Over pelagic waters off the southeast coast of Tasmania

Thalassarche cauta steadi

Shy albatross frequently follow fishing boats

Behaviour

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.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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