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
See more images of this species in Macaulay Library

Compare with Similar Species

Click on an image to compare

Looking for ID Help?

Get Instant ID help for 650+ North American birds.

Try Merlin Bird ID

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)