White-Capped Mollymork (Diomedea cauta steadi)

Size: 90 cm, 4 kg

Description: Large mollymork, white head and neck. Faint grey cheeks. Dark patch from eye to bill looks like eye makeup. Underparts white with black wing and tail edges. Upper parts white with black wings, tail and mantle. Grey bill with yellow tip and topside.

Habitat: Ranges widely throughout the southern oceans. Breeds in the NZ subantarctic region - mainly Auckland islands. Often seen following fishing boats.

Status: Protected native. Approx 80,000 pairs. Many killed by long-line fishing.

Breeding: Nov-Aug. 1 egg laid in a shallow cup shaped nest atop a pedestal of dried mud and guano. Incubated by both sexes.

Where and how to photograph: A boat is needed - try the albatross encounter at Ocean Wings, Kaikoura.

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