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Black-footed Albatross Identification

Black-footed Albatross Adult
Adult

Large seabird with long, narrow wings. Mostly dark except for a white ring around its long, thick bill. The amount of white around the bill varies from a thin ring to a wide band around face.

© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, July 25, 2009
Black-footed Albatross Adult
Adult

Large seabird with a long, thick bill. Feeds on the surface of the water.

© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, July 31, 2015
Black-footed Albatross Adult
Adult

Large seabird with long, narrow wings. Flies low over the surface of the water with stiff wings.

© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, July 31, 2015
Black-footed Albatross Adult
Adult

Large, dark seabird with a long, thick bill. Wanders widely across the northern Pacific for most of the year, and is regularly seen off the west coast of North America.

© Blake Matheson | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 27, 2017
Black-footed Albatross Adult
Adult

Large, bulky seabird with long, narrow wings. The amount of white around the bill and on the rump varies with age and feather wear.

© Christoph Moning | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 27, 2012
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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.
Relative Size

Relative Sizegoose or largergoose-sized or larger
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 25.2-29.1 in (64-74 cm)
    • Weight: 77.6-151.7 oz (2200-4300 g)
    • Wingspan: 76.0-85.0 in (193-216 cm)

Species in This Family

Albatrosses(Order: Procellariiformes, Family:Diomedeidae)

Laysan AlbatrossLaysan Albatross
Black-footed AlbatrossBlack-footed Albatross

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