Status: Vulnerable to Endangered
Estimated numbers left: 4,200
Countries found in: Japan, US, Mexico (the North Pacific)
The short-tailed albatross or Steller’s albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) is a large rare seabird from the North Pacific. Although related to the other North Pacific albatrosses, it also exhibits behavioral and morphological links to the albatrosses of the Southern Ocean.
When the short-tailed albatross is not nesting, it is widespread throughout the temperate and subarctic regions of the North Pacific. The population ranges from Japan east to the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska and south to California. The birds are typically found near islands and mainland coastlines as opposed to mid-ocean regions.
Largest and rarest of the three albatross species found in the Northern Hemisphere, the Short-tailed Albatross is also the most colorful. The bird’s white body, yellow-gold head, and big, bright-pink bill distinguish it from both Laysan andBlack-footed Albatrosses.
The short-tailed albatross feeds mainly on squid, but will follow ships for their discarded offal.
Why are they threatened?
Demand for albatross feathers began at the end of the 18th century in Europe. Likewise, they were all the rage in North America. Due in part to the Industrial Revolution, stylish clothing and accessories were readily able to include these precious feathers. The outstanding qualities of the feathers include being waterproof, lightweight and providing warmth. Because of this, manufacturers used them mainly for coats or comforters.
Short-tailed Albatross are no longer hunted for their plumage, but numerous threats to the species remain. Among these threats are incidental bycatch in longline fisheries; habitat loss on nesting islands, particularly from rising seas caused by climate change; invasive species on nesting islands; and plastic debris, which the birds mistake for food.