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Tuatara: Volume 21, Issues 1 and 2 (New Zealand Albatrosses and Petrels: an Identification Guide)

4. Salvin's Mollymawk — (Diomedea cauta salvini) — Plate 3

4. Salvin's Mollymawk
(Diomedea cauta salvini)
Plate 3

Field Characters: 250/93. Similar in size to the White-capped Mollymawk (3), from which it can be easily distinguished in having a grey head and neck. The pale pigmentation of the nape merges without sharp demarcation with the grey mantle, which is distinctly paler than the dark upperwing. The white forehead and crown form an obvious white cap. Rump white, tail dark grey. Underbody white. The underwing is similar to that of the White-capped Mollymawk (3), except that the black tip, formed by the entirely black primaries, is considerably larger. The primaries of the White-capped Mollymawk have large white areas on the inner webs, which are visible in flight (cf. Figs. 3b and 4b, Pl. 3). Juvenile birds have the head entirely grey (no white cap) and have an underwing similar to the adults.

The bill is bi-coloured in adult birds, being pale yellow horn top and bottom, with grey sides. The yellow tip of the upper mandible page 21 contrasts with the black tip of the lower mandible. In juveniles the bill is dark grey with a black tip, gradually becoming lighter with age. The tip of the upper mandible is the last area to lose its dark colour. The tip of the lower mandible, however, remains dark. The feet are bluish-grey.

Differs from White-capped Mollymawk (3) by its grey head and neck colour gradually merging into the pale mantle and its larger black tips to underwings. Juveniles cannot be distinguished from juvenile White-capped Mollymawks (3) at sea. Distinguished from Chatham Island Mollymawk (5) by its white cap and paler throat.

Flight similar to great albatrosses. Although Salvin's Mollymawks do not follow larger ships, they will congregate around fishing vessels for offal.

Breeds at the Bounty and Snares Islands, and disperses widely in southern temperate seas. Common in New Zealand waters.