New Zealand White-capped Albatross (Thalassarche steadi)

Formerly a subspecies of the “shy” group, this species is now recognised as a distinct species. It is very similar to the shy albatross, Thalassarche cauta, which is endemic to three islands off Tasmania.

Endemic to New Zealand with 99% of the total population breeding in the Auckland Islands with 97,089 breeding pairs. It’s the largest of the smaller albatross (mollymawks) weighing up to 5 kilograms.

Attracted to offal from fishing boats , it is understood that fish processing waste comprises a large component of their diet. They also feed on fish and squid by surface seizing, but can also undertake shallow dives.