Head to head
Shy Albatross vs Black-browed Albatross
Shy Albatross
VS Black-browed Albatross
Both are mollymawk albatrosses, but one is defined by its size and restricted range, the other by sheer breadth of distribution.
| Shy Albatross | Black-browed Albatross | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Thalassarche cauta | Thalassarche melanophris |
| Size | The largest mollymawk species | Not the largest, but widespread |
| Range | Breeds only within Australian territory | The most widespread mollymawk species |
| Distinguishing feature | White underwings with a narrow dark margin | A dark eye streak resembling an angry eyebrow |
| Foraging habit | Often close to the continental shelf | Surface feeding and shallow diving |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Habitat | Ocean, coastal | Ocean, polar |
Shy Albatross vs Black-browed Albatross: common questions
Which one is the largest mollymawk?
The shy albatross is the largest of the mollymawk albatrosses, noticeably bigger than the black-browed albatross, which instead holds the record for widest distribution among mollymawks.
Which one has the widest overall range?
The black-browed albatross has the widest range, recognised as the most widespread and numerous mollymawk species, unlike the shy albatross, which breeds only within Australian territory.
Which one has a distinctive angry eyebrow marking?
The black-browed albatross has this feature, a dark streak of feathers around each eye giving it a permanently stern expression, a marking not shared by the shy albatross.