The following posed a few problems for me when it came to identifying birds seen on recent pelagic trip from Port Fairy (April 2021).
The following are my current thoughts (not necessarily conclusions) on what they are:
Shy albatross Complex 1:
Seen en route an hour into journey (8:08am)
- ‘notch’ at base of underwing indicates a member of ‘shy complex’ (Shy, Salvin’s, Chatham, White-Capped)
- Lack of solid black tip to wing suggests Shy or White-Capped
- Less distinct contrast between grey hood and white cap suggests Shy
Conclusion: Shy Albatross
Black-Browed or Campbell’s:
Seen at site at 10:23am
- Darker tip to bill and grey around neck suggests 2nd cycle Black Browed albatross
Great Albatross 1:
Seen at 10:23am
Seen again at 10:38am:
Identification points:
- Brown crown and dark tip to tail
- Mottled brown on back and tail (vs white back on ‘great albatross 6’)
- Upper wings solidly blackish
- White appearing to start from the centre of the wing
Conclusion: Wandering Albatross – ‘Snowy’ female or New Zealand antipodensis or gibsoni
Great Albatross 2:
Seen at 11:01am
Seen again at 11:08am
Identification points:
- pure white body, tail, head
- no ‘pinkish stain’ (diagnostic on wandering, if present)
- White leading edge to wing (rather than white from the centre heading out) suggests Southern Royal
Conclusion: Southern Royal Albatross
Great Albatross 3:
Seen at 10:43am
Identification points:
- slight mottling on back
- tail largely white
- hint of ‘pinkish stain’ on neck in main photo (diagnostic on wandering, if present)
- Dark leading edge to upper wing suggests Wandering
Conclusion: Wandering Albatross
Great Albatross 4:
Seen at 12:25pm
- Brown crown and dark tip to tail
- Mottled brown on back and tail (vs white back on ‘great albatross 6’)
- Upper wings solidly blackish
Conclusion: Wandering Albatross – ‘Snowy’ female or New Zealand antipodensis or gibsoni
Great Albatross 5:
Seen at 11:04am
Seen at 12:28pm
Seen at 12:56pm
Identification points:
- Possibly the same individual as ‘great albatross 4’
- Feet seem to extend past tail
- Brown crown and dark tip to tail
- Mottled brown on back and tail (vs white back on ‘great albatross 6’)
- Upper wings solidly blackish
Conclusion: Wandering Albatross – ‘Snowy’ female or New Zealand antipodensis or gibsoni
Great Albatross 6:
Seen at 12:32pm
Identification points:
- whiter back than ‘great albatross 1’ and ‘great albatross 5’
- Brown crown and dark tip to tail
- Upper wings solidly blackish
Conclusion: Wandering Albatross – ‘Snowy’ female or New Zealand antipodensis or gibsoni
References:
- SEABIRDS – The New Identification Guide – Harrison, Perrow & Larsson
- Oceanic Birds of the World – Howell & Zufelt
- Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the world – Onley & Scofield
- Photographs from others on the trip posted to eBird Port Fairy Pelagic