Salvin's Mollymork (Diomedea cauta salvini)

Size: 90 cm, 4 kg

Description: Large mollymork, light grey crown, grey head, neck and mantle. Dark patch from eye to bill looks like eye makeup. Underparts white with black wing and tail edges. Black tail, white rump. Grey bill with yellow tip and topside. Black spot at tip of lower bill.

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

Status: Protected native. Approx 33,000 pairs. Many killed by long-line fishing.

Breeding: September-April. 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.

More info...