Grey-headed Albatross vs Cory's Shearwater
Thalassarche chrysostoma versus Calonectris diomedea
Play a quiz with Grey-headed Albatross and Cory's Shearwater
Grey-headed Albatross
Cory's Shearwater
In short
The Grey-headed Albatross and Cory's Shearwater can be distinguished primarily by their structure and plumage. The albatross is larger with a distinctive grey head, while the shearwater has a more uniform brownish-grey plumage and a different flight pattern.
Identification tips
1. Size and Structure: Look for the larger size and robust build of the Grey-headed Albatross compared to the more streamlined Cory's Shearwater. 2. Head Color: Note the grey head of the albatross versus the more uniform coloration of the shearwater. 3. Flight Pattern: Observe the flight; albatrosses tend to glide more on stiff wings, while shearwaters have a more flapping flight style.
Size
The Grey-headed Albatross is significantly larger than Cory's Shearwater, with a more robust build and longer wingspan.
Plumage
The Grey-headed Albatross has a distinctive grey head, contrasting with its white body and dark wings. In contrast, Cory's Shearwater has a more uniform brownish-grey plumage with less contrast between the head and body.