Closely related to Light-mantled Albatross but with a more restricted distribution.
 

Identification

Similar to Light-mantled Sooty Albatross but with darker body feathers. Adult has heavier bill thab Light-mantled Sooty Albatross with a creamy (almost off-white) to orange sulcus (cutting edge to upper mandible) contrasting with the blue sulcus of  Light-mantled Sooty Albatross. Subadults may show paler nape than adults, reminiscent of Light-mantled Sooty Albatross but pale color does not extend on lower mantle, back or rump.
 

Where and When

Restricted to the South Atlantic and Southern Indian Ocean.  Generally feed along the Subtropical Convergence and occasionally south of the Antarctic Convergence. Some reach Australia. One claim from SE Pacific.

Breed every other year on Subantarctic Islands with an estimated world population of 15,000 pairs. Tristan da Cunha Group (4-5000 pr), Gough Island (5-10,000 pr), Prince Edward Islands (2,700 pr), Crozets (2,300 pr) with smaller numbers on Amsterdam Island, St Paul and Kerguelen.
 

Literature