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Black-footed Albatross

Phoebastria nigripes ORDER: PROCELLARIIFORMES FAMILY: DIOMEDEIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The only dark albatross of the northern Pacific Ocean, the Black-footed Albatross nests primarily on the Hawaiian Islands. It wanders widely across the northern Pacific for most of the year, and is regularly seen off the west coast of North America.

Appearance

Gull-like
Gull-like
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large seabird; small albatross.
  • Very long, narrow wings.
  • Mostly dusky brown.
  • White at base of bill and under eye. 
  • Large bill.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but usually with less white at bill base.

Range Map Help

Black-footed Albatross Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
    Zoom In

    Black-footed Albatross

    Adult
    • © Ben Barkley, Monterey , California, January 2013
  • Adult
    Zoom In

    Black-footed Albatross

    Adult
    • © Benjamin Van Doren, Washington, January 2013
  • Adult
    Zoom In

    Black-footed Albatross

    Adult
    • © Ben Barkley, Monterey, California

Similar Species

  • Other adult albatrosses within its range are white.
  • Immature Short-tailed Albatross is also dark overall, but has bright pink bill and feet.

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