Story: Albatrosses

Mollymawk colony (2nd of 2)

Mollymawk colony

The colonies of the smaller albatrosses or mollymawks are much more densely packed than great albatross colonies. Nests are spaced just out of beak reach. These colonies are noisy, as adults on nests vocally defend their patch from neighbours and passers by. Non-breeding birds also come and go, and their socialising and fighting adds to the noise. Mollymawk colonies, like this one of Campbell and grey-headed mollymawks at Bull Rock, Campbell Island, are often on cliff ledges to allow for easy take off.

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Photograph by Christina Troup

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How to cite this page:

Paul Sagar, 'Albatrosses - Albatrosses', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/7058/mollymawk-colony (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Paul Sagar, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015