Waved Albatross vs Salvin's Albatross

In short

The Waved Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata) and Salvin's Albatross (Thalassarche salvini) are both large seabirds, but they can be distinguished by their bill color and plumage patterns. Waved Albatrosses have a distinctive yellow bill and a unique waved pattern on their breast, while Salvin's Albatrosses have a greyish bill and a more uniform grey head and neck.

Identification tips

1. Look for the yellow bill on Waved Albatrosses, compared to the greyish bill of Salvin's. 2. Note the waved breast pattern on Waved Albatrosses. 3. Observe the head color: yellowish in Waved versus grey in Salvin's. 4. Consider location: Waved Albatrosses are typically near the Galápagos, while Salvin's are found in the Southern Ocean.

Size

Both species are large albatrosses, but the Waved Albatross is slightly larger overall.

Plumage

Waved Albatrosses have a waved pattern on their breast and a yellowish head, whereas Salvin's Albatrosses have a grey head and neck with a white cap.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical albatross gliding flight and are often seen soaring over the ocean. Waved Albatrosses are known for their elaborate courtship dances.

Habitat

Waved Albatrosses are primarily found around the Galápagos Islands, while Salvin's Albatrosses are more widespread in the Southern Ocean, especially around New Zealand.

Voice

Both species are generally silent at sea, but Waved Albatrosses are known for their distinctive courtship calls on breeding grounds.