ANIMALS – BIRDS – SEABIRDS – BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS (THALASSARCHE MELANOPHRIS)

Animals - Birds - Seabirds

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Procellariiformes
Family : Diomedeidae
Genus : Thalassarche
Species : T. Melanophris

Description:

The Black-browed albatross(Thalassarche melanophris), also known as theBlack-browed mollymawk, is a large seabird of the albatross family Diomedeidae; it is the most widespread and common member of its family.

Mollymawks are albatrosses in the family Diomedeidae and order Procellariiformes, which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels, and diving petrels. These birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns, although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of Procellariiformes are also unique in that they are split into between seven and nine horny plates. They produce a stomach oil made up of wax esters and triglycerides that is stored in the proventriculus. This is used against predators as well as being an energy-rich food source for chicks and also for the adults during their long flights. The albatross also has a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose.

The black-browed albatross was first described as Diomedea melanophrisby Coenraad Jacob Temminck, in 1828, based on a specimen from the Cape of Good Hope.

The black-browed albatross is a medium-sized albatross, at 80 to 95 cm (31–37 in) longwith a 200 to 240 cm (79–94 in) wingspan and an average weight of 2.9 to 4.7 kg (6.4–10.4 lb). It can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump, and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad, irregular, black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-colored bills with dark tips, and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other mollymawks (except the closely related Campbell albatross) are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill, tipped darker orange.

Binomial Name:

Name : Thalassarche melanophris
Taxonomist : Coenraad Jacob Temminck (Amsterdam - Netherlands)
Year : 1828
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : Diomedea melanophris

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Near-threatened species

A Near-threatened speciesis a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT)by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status. The IUCN notes the importance of re-evaluating near-threatened taxa at appropriate intervals.

Philatelic Issues

2004 – Uruguay – Stamp 4 of 4, from Seabirds Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: January 22nd, 20
Printed: 15.000 copies
Type : Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value : UYP 14

Stamp : Rectangular
Size: 27 mm. x 39 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated