General

Short-tailed Albatross: Large albatross with all-white body. Head and nape have golden-yellow cast. White wings have black edges and tips. Tail is white with black fringe. Sexes are similar. Juvenile is entirely dark brown with pink bill and feet.

Range and Habitat

Short-tailed Albatross: Endangered species. Once frequent in the northwestern Pacific. Currently, an estimated 200 nest on Torishima, an island south of Japan. Travels to Bering Sea and Alaska south along the Pacific coast south to California after breeding.

Breeding and Nesting

Short-tailed Albatross: One white egg with red spots is laid on the ground in a nest made of grass, twigs, and volcanic debris. Both parents incubate the egg for about 65 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Short-tailed Albatross: Feeds on fish, shrimp, squid, and crustaceans picked up from the water surface; not known to follow boats like some other albatross species.

Vocalization

Short-tailed Albatross: Usually silent.

Similar Species

Short-tailed Albatross: None in range.