Royal Albatross (1 Viewer)

[njlarsen]

Hello all,
this image was uploaded as Southern but might very well be Northern. I believe I have agreed with @binus1963 to ask for help in getting the correct id for it.

southern royal albatross

off kaikora 2017

www.birdforum.net

thanks
Niels

 

[Jon.Bryant]

To me this is Northern. White leading edge to the wing is very thin and in places absent, so is unlikely to be noticeably visible in the field. Upper wing looks solidly black, and it doesn’t look as robust as at least a big Southern.

Black line on cutting edge of bill, head shape and white tail, all mean it is definitely a Royal type.

I saw both NRA and SRA in Kaikoura in December and both species are not uncommon there.

 

[THE_FERN]

Clearly Northern for me given the extensive very black upper wings