Thalassarche chrysostoma

, Thalassarche chrysostoma
Water Type: Marine, Terrestrial

Thalassarche chrysostoma, also known as the grey-headed albatross, is a large seabird belonging to the albatross family. This species is known for its distinctive plumage and its impressive wingspan, which makes it a magnificent sight to behold when soaring over the vast expanse of the ocean.

Description & Characteristics

Thalassarche chrysostoma adults typically measure around 85 to 95 centimeters in length, with a wingspan that can reach up to 2.1 meters. Their plumage exhibits a striking contrast between the grey head and neck, which gives the species its common name, and the white body. The underparts and the tail feathers are primarily white, while the wings display a darker grey coloration. The beak of Thalassarche chrysostoma is stout and yellow, with a distinctive dark band that runs across the base. This species is sexually dimorphic, with females being slightly smaller than males.

Habitat and Occurrence

Thalassarche chrysostoma primarily inhabits the Southern Ocean, specifically in the areas around the islands of the South Atlantic, South Indian, and South Pacific Oceans. This species is a common sight in these regions, where it spends most of its life at sea, venturing far from land for foraging and breeding purposes. Their distribution encompasses the marine zones ranging from the Subantarctic to the Antarctic Polar Front, making them a characteristic species of these Southern Hemisphere environments.

Taxonomy

Thalassarche chrysostoma belongs to the family Diomedeidae, which includes all albatross species. This family falls under the Order Procellariiformes, a group that encompasses various seabirds, including shearwaters, petrels, and fulmars. Thalassarche chrysostoma, along with its relatives, falls under the Class Aves, which encompasses all bird species.

Feeding

Thalassarche chrysostoma feeds primarily on squid, fish, and crustaceans, foraging in the open ocean. They are adept at detecting prey using their keen sense of smell and sight, often diving to depths of up to 10 meters to capture their meals. Their diet varies depending on their location and the availability of prey.

Associated Species

Image References

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