Light-mantled Albatross [Phoebetria palpebrata]
Description
The Light-mantled Albatross, also known as the Grey-mantled Albatross or the Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, is a medium-sized albatross that is slate-grey overall, with a lighter grey mantle. Its range spans the Southern Ocean, where it is a common sight in the cold, nutrient-rich waters. It is a pelagic bird that spends most of its life at sea, returning to land only for breeding. The species is monogamous, with pairs bonding for life. It feeds mostly on squid, but also consumes fish and crustaceans. It has a unique 'sky-pointing' display which is part of its courtship ritual.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Birds
Aves
|
| Order |
Albatrosses, Petrels, and Shearwaters
Procellariiformes
|
| Family |
Albatrosses
Diomedeidae
|
| Genus |
Light-mantled Albatross
Phoebetria
|