Head to head
Antipodean Albatross vs Southern Royal Albatross
Antipodean Albatross
VS Southern Royal Albatross
Both albatrosses were only recently recognised as their own distinct species, separated from a very close relative after genetic study.
| Antipodean Albatross | Southern Royal Albatross | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Diomedea antipodensis | Diomedea epomophora |
| Wingspan | Smaller than the southern royal albatross | Rivals the wandering albatross for the largest wingspan |
| Species history | Split from the wandering albatross | Split from the northern royal albatross |
| Decline pattern | Sharp decline concentrated among females | General decline from longline fishing |
| Conservation status | Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Decreasing |
| Bill feature | Not documented as distinctive | A solid black cutting edge along the bill |
| Habitat | Ocean | Ocean |
Antipodean Albatross vs Southern Royal Albatross: common questions
Which one has the larger wingspan?
The southern royal albatross has the larger wingspan, rivalling the wandering albatross for the largest of any living bird, bigger than the Antipodean albatross.
Which one was split from a different albatross species?
Both were split from close relatives: the Antipodean albatross from the wandering albatross, and the southern royal albatross from the northern royal albatross, each recognised as distinct after genetic study.
Which one has a distinctive black bill marking?
The southern royal albatross has this feature, a solid black line along the cutting edge of its bill, a marking not documented on the Antipodean albatross.