BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 
28l 
notes. Also called Shy Albatross and Shy Mollymawk. This species 
is well named, for it rarely comes near a ship. It may be distinguished 
from the other dark-backed species in having the under-surface of the 
wings white, except at the tips. Apart from being shy, it resembles the 
other Albatrosses in habits and economy. Breeds on Albatross Island 
(Bass Strait), also on Pyramid Rock and the Chatham and Bounty 
Islands. 
nest. A flat, bowl-shaped structure, composed of soil and excrement 
mixed with roots and grasses; placed on the ground. 
egg. Dull white or creamy-white, freckled or capped, more or less, 
with reddish-brown surface markings on the larger end; some eggs are 
almost devoid of markings. The surface is coarse-grained and minutely 
pitted all over and is almost lustreless. Breeding-season: August to 
October. 
10. Sooty Albatross Plicebetria fnsca Hilsenberg 
Phce-be'-tri-a— Gk, phoibetria, prophetess: fus'-ca— L., fuscus, brown. 
distribution. The southern seas of Australia, and Tasmania; 
occurs generally in the southern oceans from latitude 30°S. to the 
Antarctic Circle. 
notes. A common bird in Australian seas, and often confused with 
the young of the Wandering Albatross, but may be distinguished by 
its smaller size and wedge-shaped tail. It is similar in habits and 
economy to the other Albatrosses. Breeds on Tristan da Cunha and 
Gough Island. 
nest. A small and low crater-shaped structure composed of grass 
and mud; usually built on cliffs or projecting ricks and placed 
separately. 
egg. White with a slight greyish tint, covered all over with minute 
specks of reddish-brown; usually the specks become larger and thicker 
about the larger end, occasionally forming a zone (Cromer). 
11. Grey-mantled Albatross Phcebctria palpebrata Forster 
pal-pc-bra'-ta— L., palpebratus, marked around the eye. 
distribution. The southern seas of Australia, and Tasmania; 
occurs generally from latitude 33°S. to the Antarctic Circle. 
notes. Also called Light-mantled Albatross. This species is only 
a casual visitor to Australian seas, and may be distinguished from the 
Sooty Albatross by its grey back and under-parts. It resembles the 
Sooty Albatross in habits and economy, but its range is more southern 
than that species. Breeds on South Georgia, and Kerguelen, Antipodes, 
Auckland, Campbell, and Macquarie Islands. 
nest. Placed in crevices in rocks. 
egg. Whitish, covered round the larger end with very small reddish- 
brown spots, which merge together at the apex. Breeding-season: 
October to January. 
