In New Zealand, the Light-mantled Sooty Albatross breeds on remote and rugged islands such as the Auckland, Campbell, and Antipodes Islands. These birds prefer steep cliff faces for nesting, often choosing ledges that are difficult for predators—and humans—to access. Unlike many other albatross species that nest in large colonies, the Light-mantled Sooty Albatross tends to nest in isolated pairs or small groups, which adds to their elusive nature.

 

Their courtship displays are a marvel to witness. Mated pairs perform synchronized aerial ballets, looping and gliding in unison while calling to each other with eerie, drawn-out cries. These displays not only strengthen pair bonds but also serve as a spectacle of their aerodynamic prowess. On land, they are more reserved, often silent except for occasional braying calls or bill-snapping when disturbed.

 

Feeding primarily on squid and other cephalopods, these albatrosses forage across vast distances. Tracking studies have shown that individuals breeding on Macquarie Island can travel over 1,500 kilometers in a single foraging trip, sometimes venturing into Antarctic waters before returning to feed their chicks. This wide-ranging behavior underscores the importance of international cooperation in conserving their oceanic habitat.

 

Sadly, the Light-mantled Sooty Albatross is classified as Near Threatened, with populations declining due to threats like longline fishing, which can result in accidental bycatch. Their remote nesting sites offer some protection, but their reliance on vast, open oceans makes them vulnerable to changes in marine ecosystems. Conservation efforts in New Zealand and beyond are crucial to ensuring that these elegant gliders continue to grace southern skies for generations to come.

 

In September 2024, one arrived mid week on Waikawa Beach, looking a little worse for wear. It was blustery and there had been storms over the previous weekend. It was nesting at the edge of the surf, and failed to move as a WBEG member walked past. After watching it for a few minutes, it was decided to attempt to move the bird out of the surf, and nearer the dunes behind a log.

DoC was called and after a discussion they made contact with the Nest Te Kōhanga, located at Wellington Zoo. It was decided to take the bird to Wellington Zoo for assessment, and hopefully a full recovery. When they weighed it at the Nest Te Kōhanga, it was only about 50% of its expected weight. It was given an electrolyte solution called Vytrate, which we give to our patients to help rehydrate them, as they are often quite dehydrated when they arrive. The Nest Te Kōhanga later performed a GA on him which showed a shoulder injury we were managing with bandaging. They had been doing well, but it then deteriorated over the following two days and died about a week later. A post-mortem examination showed abnormalities in a number of organs and samples were sent to lab to help us better understand what was going on with those organs. Unfortunately, despite everyones efforts it was a very sick bird and wasn’t able to make it.

 

Collected from the following sources :

WBEG member
NZ Birds online
NZ Birds