Thalassarche steadi

Mollymawks are a type of Albatross that belong to Diomedeidae family and come from the Procellariiformes order, along with Shearwaters, Fulmars, Storm-petrels, and Diving-petrels. They share certain identifying features. First, they have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns. Although the nostrils on the Albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of Procellariiformes are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates. Finally, they produce a stomach oil made up of wax esters and triglycerides that is stored in the proventriculus. This is used against predators as well as an energy rich food source for chicks and for the adults during their long flights.

The Thalassarche steadi is classified as Near Threatened (NT), is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

The White-capped Albatross, Thalassarche steadi, is a mollymawk that breeds on the islands off of New Zealand. Not all experts agree that this form should be recognized as a separate species to the Shy Albatross, Thalassarche cauta. It is a medium sized black, slate grey, and white albatross and is the largest of the mollymawks. More

Photo Wanted The White-capped Albatross, Thalassarche steadi, is a mollymawk that breeds on the islands off of New Zealand. It is a species that not all experts agree should have been split off of Thalassarche cauta. It is a medium sized black, slate grey, and white albatross. Description The White-capped Albatross averages 90–99 cm (35–39 in) in length, with a wingspan of 220–256 cm (87–100 in). More

Range & population Thalassarche steadi is endemic to off-shore islands of New Zealand, with an estimated breeding population of approximately 75,000 pairs3,15. Populations are distributed predominantly on Disappointment Island (72,000 pairs), Auckland (3,000 pairs) and Adams Islands (100 pairs)2,6 in the Auckland Island group, and Bollon's Island (c.100)7 in the Antipodes Island group. The population is estimated to comprise approximately 350,000-375,000 birds and limited information available suggests that some populations may be increasing6. More