Northern Royal Albatross

The Northern Royal Albatross is among the largest of the albatrosses, rivaling the Wandering Albatross in size, but distinguished by its consistently mostly white body from early adulthood rather than the long, gradual whitening process seen in that species. It breeds mainly on islands around New Zealand and ranges widely over the Southern Ocean.

• Body feathers are white from a relatively early age, without the extended dark juvenile phase of the Wandering Albatross
• Upperwing feathers are mostly blackish, with a contrasting white leading edge and variable white mottling that increases somewhat with age
• Tail feathers are white, typically with a narrow dark tip
• Flight feathers are extremely long, narrow, and stiff, adapted for sustained dynamic soaring over the open ocean
• Underwing feathers are largely white with a narrow dark trailing edge and wingtip

• Adults are predominantly white with a mostly black upperwing and a white leading edge to the wing
• Plumage changes with age are less dramatic than in the Wandering Albatross, with birds attaining a largely white body relatively early in life
• Older adults may show slightly more white mottling in the upperwing over time
• Sexes are similar in plumage
• Molt is slow and spread across the long intervals between the species' extended breeding cycle

Northern Royal Albatrosses breed on a small number of islands around New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands and a mainland colony at Taiaroa Head, nesting on open, exposed ground. Outside the breeding season they range widely over the Southern Ocean, circling the globe on prevailing winds and covering vast distances between foraging areas.

This albatross forages by seizing squid, fish, and other prey from the ocean surface during long-distance flights that can cover thousands of kilometers between feeding areas. It breeds biennially in most cases, laying a single egg and raising the chick over an extended fledging period. Pairs engage in elaborate courtship displays involving synchronized calling, bill-clacking, and wing-spreading, with adults otherwise largely silent at sea.