Amsterdam Albatross — Australian Bird Identification Guide

Bird guideAmsterdam Albatross

The only Wandering-type albatross that shows narrow black “lips” on cutting edge of bill.

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⚠️Endangered

🍃Indigenous: Amsterdam Island Albatross

At a glance

FamilyAlbatrosses

SizeGiant

RarityRare

HabitatThe scientific name Diomedea amsterdamensis is composed of Diomedea, from the marooned Greek hero Diomedes, whose companions were turned to birds, and amsterdamensis, a Latin form of the name of the island where they are found.

Best timePeak activity in Feb, Apr.

Range map

Occurrence window

1visible hotspots

1visible records

0states

Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Extremely rare. Population perhaps fewer than 100 individuals. Plumage highly variable, but averages darker brown than other Wandering-type albatross; even adults retain mostly brown upperwings, tail, and cap. Tip of bill averages darker and more greenish than other Wandering-types.

Behavior

A huge Wandering-type albatross that breeds only on Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean, with only a handful of records elsewhere (mainly Australia).

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