Head to head
Black-browed Albatross vs Wandering Albatross
Both are Southern Ocean albatrosses facing similar fishing-related threats, but they differ enormously in size and overall numbers.
| Black-browed Albatross | Wandering Albatross | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Thalassarche melanophris | Diomedea exulans |
| Wingspan | Smaller, a mollymawk species | Up to 3.5 metres, the largest of any living bird |
| Distinguishing feature | A dark streak around each eye | Long, narrow wings built for dynamic soaring |
| Population status | The most widespread mollymawk species | Fewer in number, around 20,000 mature birds |
| Flight range | Not documented as travelling comparably far | Can cover 1,000 km in a day, circling the Southern Ocean |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Population trend | Stable | Decreasing |
| Habitat | Ocean, polar | Ocean, coastal |
Black-browed Albatross vs Wandering Albatross: common questions
Which one has the larger wingspan?
The wandering albatross has the far larger wingspan, reaching up to 3.5 metres and holding the record for the largest wingspan of any living bird, well beyond the black-browed albatross's smaller mollymawk build.
Which one is more numerous overall?
The black-browed albatross is more numerous overall, being the most widespread and numerous of the smaller mollymawk albatross species, compared with the wandering albatross's smaller population of around 20,000 mature birds.
Which one is more threatened by longline fishing?
The wandering albatross faces the steeper conservation concern, classified as Vulnerable partly due to longline fishing bycatch, while the black-browed albatross remains classified as Least Concern despite facing similar risks.