Short-tailed Albatross vs Salvin's Albatross

In short

To distinguish between the Short-tailed Albatross and Salvin's Albatross, focus on bill color and plumage. The Short-tailed Albatross has a distinctive large, pink bill with a bluish tip, while Salvin's Albatross features a greyish-yellow bill. Plumage differences are also notable, especially in adults.

Identification tips

• Bill color: Look for the large, pink bill with a bluish tip on the Short-tailed Albatross versus the greyish-yellow bill of Salvin's Albatross.
• Plumage: Note the golden-yellow wash on the head of adult Short-tailed Albatrosses.
• Size and bulk: Short-tailed Albatrosses appear larger and bulkier.
• Location: Consider the geographic location, as their ranges do not typically overlap.

Size

Short-tailed Albatross is generally larger and bulkier compared to the more slender Salvin's Albatross.

Plumage

Adult Short-tailed Albatrosses have a white body with a golden-yellow wash on the head and neck, while Salvin's Albatrosses are mostly grey with a white face and underparts. Juvenile Short-tailed Albatrosses are darker, resembling Black-footed Albatrosses, but with a paler face.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar soaring flight patterns typical of albatrosses, with long glides and minimal flapping.

Habitat

Short-tailed Albatrosses are typically found in the North Pacific, often near Japan and the Aleutian Islands, whereas Salvin's Albatrosses are more common in the Southern Ocean, particularly around New Zealand and the subantarctic islands.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a reliable field mark for distinguishing these species, as both are generally silent at sea.