Thalassarche carteri
Thalassarche carteri, commonly known as the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, is a medium-sized mollymawk distinguished by its striking bill coloration and sleek flight profile. Measuring approximately 76-81 cm (30-32 inches) in length with an impressive wingspan of 180-215 cm (71-85 inches), it features a dark grey to black upperbody, white head, nape, and underparts, and a conspicuous dark eye patch. Its most definitive field mark is the black bill adorned with a bright yellow stripe along the...
Primarily pelagic, inhabiting the open waters of the southern Indian Ocean, only coming ashore to breed on remote, windswept oceanic islands, typically nesting on grassy slopes or cliff edges.
Feeds primarily on cephalopods (squid), fish, and crustaceans, often obtained by surface-seizing or shallow pursuit-diving, and readily scavenges offal from fishing boats.
Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses are highly pelagic, spending the vast majority of their lives at sea, often resting on the water's surface during non-foraging periods. They are opportunistic foragers, employing various techniques including surface-seizing, shallow pursuit-diving, and scavenging b...
The Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross is endemic to the southern Indian Ocean, with its primary breeding strongholds located on remote, subantarctic islands. Significant colonies are found on Amsterdam Island and Saint Paul Island, both French territories, with smaller populations nesting on the Croz...
Endangered
- The Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross was only recognized as a distinct species from the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) in 2004, following genetic and morphological studies. - Despite its name, its bill's yellow culmen strip often transitions to a reddish or orange ti...