Detailed description of this species including photographs. |
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Northen Royal Albatross at nest
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Northern Royal Albatross/Toroa-whakaingo
Diomedea sanfordi
Other names - Sanford's Albatross
Identification - 115 cm (45 in.). The body is white with completely black upperwings but juveniles have some black flecking on upperparts. The feet are generally pink and the bill is flesh-coloured with a diagnostic black cutting edge to the upper mandible.
Similar species - The Northern Royal Albatross has upperwings which are almost entirely black while the closely related Southern Royal Albatross D. epomophora has upperwings which are white with black edges and tips.
The 'Wandering Albatrosses' from which the Royal can be separated at close range by the black edge to upper bill mandible. In flight the posture of the Royal Albatross is more 'hump-backed'. Also the Royal lacks the brown body mattling characteristic of the younger Wanderers.
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Northern Royal Albatross in flight
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Range - The Northern Royal Albatross breeds at Taiaroa Heads and the Chathams. The birds undertake a circumpolar journey in non-breeding years.
Status - Locally common.
Where to see - At Taiaroa Heads, Otago Peninsula, approximately 25 km (15.5 miles) north-east of Dunedin. Ranges as far north as Hauraki Gulf in winter.
Notes - Previously Diomedea epomophora sanfordi. - Threatened by the rapacious fishing methods (longline fishing) of Asian and Russian fleets in southern waters.
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