Grey-headed Albatross vs Buller's Albatross
Thalassarche chrysostoma versus Thalassarche bulleri
Play a quiz with Grey-headed Albatross and Buller's Albatross
Grey-headed Albatross
Buller's Albatross
In short
The Grey-headed Albatross and Buller's Albatross are both medium-sized albatrosses with similar structures, but they can be distinguished by their head coloration and bill patterns. The Grey-headed Albatross has a distinct grey head and a dark bill with a yellow stripe, while Buller's Albatross features a white head with a dark cap and a yellow-orange bill stripe.
Identification tips
1. Head Color: Look for the grey head of the Grey-headed Albatross versus the white head with a dark cap of Buller's. 2. Bill Pattern: Note the dark bill with a yellow stripe on the Grey-headed, compared to the yellow-orange stripe on Buller's. 3. Location: Consider the geographical location, as Buller's is more coastal around New Zealand, while the Grey-headed is found in colder pelagic waters.
Size
Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized albatrosses.
Plumage
The Grey-headed Albatross has a grey head and neck, contrasting with its white body and dark wings. In contrast, Buller's Albatross has a white head with a dark cap, a grey back, and a white underbody. The bill of the Grey-headed is dark with a yellow stripe, whereas Buller's has a yellow-orange stripe on a grey bill.
Behaviour
Both species exhibit similar soaring flight patterns typical of albatrosses, often gliding over ocean waters.
Habitat
The Grey-headed Albatross is found in cold pelagic waters, often near breeding islands in the southern oceans. Buller's Albatross is more coastal, often seen near New Zealand and surrounding waters.
Voice
Vocalizations are not a primary distinguishing feature between these two species.
Grey-headed Albatross · Buller's Albatross · My Tricky Birds