Northern Royal Albatross

Diomedea sanfordi is a great albatross breeding mainly on the Chatham Islands and at Taiaroa Head. It differs from southern royal albatross through persistent black upperwing panels in adults. Adults have a white body, black upperwings and a massive pale pink bill with a black cutting edge. Their long wings appear almost rigid while soaring.

The principal colonies are on remote Chatham Islands, with the famous mainland colony at Taiaroa Head. Birds forage across waters around New Zealand and the South Pacific. They feed on squid, fish and carrion gathered from the surface. Pairs lay one egg and invest almost a year in each successful nesting attempt.

The New Zealand classification is Nationally Vulnerable. The Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head provides managed viewing of the mainland colony.