Birds
Southern Royal Albatross
Diomedea epomophora · also called royal albatross
Rivalling the wandering albatross for the largest wingspan of any living bird, a southern royal albatross is distinguished from its closest relative by a single, solid black line along the cutting edge of its bill, the two species only recently recognised as genuinely distinct.
Overview
The southern royal albatross, Diomedea epomophora, is a large seabird native to ocean habitat across the Southern Ocean, breeding on sub-Antarctic islands. Its record-rivalling wingspan, recent recognition as a species distinct from its northern relative, and Vulnerable conservation status make it one of the more physically impressive and conservation-relevant seabirds found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
A giant only recently given its own name
For years grouped together with a very similar relative, the southern royal albatross now stands as its own recognised species, distinguished by a single subtle bill marking despite sharing almost everything else, including one of the largest wingspans of any bird alive.
Status
Vulnerable, with populations declining in parts of its range, driven primarily by mortality from longline fishing.
Southern Royal Albatross: common questions
How does the southern royal albatross compare in size with the wandering albatross?
This species has a wingspan rivalling that of the wandering albatross, among the largest of any living bird, allowing it to glide for extended periods across the Southern Ocean with minimal effort.
How can you tell the southern royal albatross from the northern royal albatross?
This species has a solid black line running along the cutting edge of its bill, a feature used to distinguish it from its very close relative, the northern royal albatross, which has a different bill pattern.
Was the southern royal albatross always considered its own species?
No, this species was once considered part of the same species as the northern royal albatross before the two were recognised as genetically and physically distinct, now classified as separate species.
Why is the southern royal albatross considered Vulnerable?
This species has experienced population declines in parts of its range, driven primarily by mortality from longline fishing, a threat shared broadly across many albatross species in the Southern Ocean.