Sooty Albatross
Phoebetria fusca
Conservation Status
EndangeredAves · Procellariiformes · Diomedeidae
About
The sooty albatross, also known to sailors as the Quaker, is a species of marine bird belonging to the albatross family Diomedeidae. It is a medium-sized albatross that sports a sooty-brown or sooty-black color. It can be found in the southern Atlantic Ocean, the southern Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean. This bird scavenges for squid, fish, and carrion. Like other albatrosses, these birds mate for life and return to the same breeding spots every season. A single pair will mate every other year on a variety of islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean and the southern Indian Ocean islands. This bird is an endangered species and conservation efforts are taking place.
Fun Fact
The sooty albatross feeds almost exclusively by surface-seizing, a method that requires little to no submersion.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in the South Atlantic Ocean, the southern Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean between Australia and South America, although they have not been recorded in the South Pacific Ocean between Australia and South America.
Diet
Diet consists of cephalopods (mainly squid), fish, other seabirds, crustaceans, and carrion.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Poaching and Hunting
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Disease