Shy Albatross

Thalassarche cauta

The Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta) is a large seabird that is part of the albatross family. It has a wingspan of approximately 2.2 to 2.8 meters, making it one of the larger albatross species. Shy Albatrosses are predominantly white with dark upperwings and back, and they have a pale gray head and neck. They are known for their graceful gliding flight over the open ocean, where they spend most of their lives. These birds are skilled at using air currents to cover vast distances in search of food, which primarily consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans. Shy Albatrosses breed on remote islands in the Southern Ocean, forming large colonies on steep cliffs or tussock-covered slopes. They are known for their haunting, mournful calls during the breeding season.

Habitat: Open ocean, remote islands