| Short-tailed Albatross | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Procellariiformes |
| Family: | Diomedeidae |
| Genus: | Phoebastria |
| Species: | P. albatrus |
The Short-tailed Albatross (Phoebastria albatrus), also known as Steller's Albatross, is a large seabird found in the Northern Pacific. It was brought to the edge of extinction by the feather trade. With protection efforts underway since the 1950's, the species is in the process of recovering and its population has been increasing since then.
Description[]
The Short-tailed Albatross is a large seabird that can grow up to 33-36 inches in length, has a wingspan of 7 feet, and weigh 4.3 to 8.5 kg (9.5–18.7 lb). Despite its name, the tail of the Short-tailed Albatross is not shorter than the tails of other albatross species. The tail measures 14–15.2 cm (5.5–6.0 in) in length, the tarsus around 10 cm (3.9 in), and the wing chord 51 cm (20 in). The upper wings are white with black primaries, secondaries, and tertials. It's under wings are white with black leading and trailing edges. The golden-stained nape and crown and white chest and belly stand over pale bluish feet and legs. Albatrosses have some coverts, as well as a black terminal bar on its tail. It possesses a 12.7–15.2 cm (5–6 in) long pink bill with a blue tip and black boarder around the base. Juvenile Short-tailed Albatrosses are brown in color.
Habitat and Distribution[]
Short-tailed Albatrosses breed on Torishima, an island owned and administered by Japan. They have also been observed (non-breeding behavior) on Minami-Kojima in the Senkaku Islands of Southern Ryukyu Islands, also owned and administered by Japan. Albatrosses build their nests with surrounding sand, shrubbery, or volcanic debris.