Kaikoura’s Southern royal albatross

Kaikoura’s Southern royal albatross Kaikoura is now well known as New Zealand’s albatross capital. Of the ten albatross species regularly sighted, the two types of great albatross are the most spectacular. The Wandering Albatross is often the type most often sighted and they are considered to be the world’s largest flying bird. The second type is the Royal Albatross, with the Southern Royal Albatross being of a similar size to the Wandering Albatross. Southern Royals are seen offshore from Kaikoura throughout the year. But in contrast to the Wandering Albatross are not as bold as feeding on fish scarps, and often feed out further from the boat than the Wanders. The Royal Albatross is distinguished from the Wander by having a black line along their bill. Often binoculars are required to see this detail that separates the Royal from the similarly sized Wander. Royals also have a regal and elegant appearance that allows the trained eye to recognize

them from a distance. Of the two species of Royal Albatross sighted off Kaikoura (the Northern and Southern) the Southern is the most frequently sighted, although often never in large numbers. Also unlike the Wandering Albatross the Southern Royal only breeds in New Zealand’s waters. The birds seen off Kaikoura are most likely to have originated from breeding colonies on either the Auckland or Campbell islands- some 600 to 700 miles south of Kaikoura. The best way to see Royal Albatross is on a charter boat trip. They will come within several miles off the tip of Kaikoura Peninsula and are often sighted by birdwatching charter trips or on occasions feeding on scraps behind a fishing charter boat. Southern Royal albatross certainly live up to their name are are awe inspiring large and elegant birds to sight. Peter Langlands/Wild Capture Photography E:langlands@xtra.co.nz M - 0274 501 016