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Story: Albatrosses

Albatross head and bill

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Albatross head and bill

All albatrosses have a sturdy, long bill with a sharp, hooked tip. This enables them to tear their prey into pieces, to fight with other seabirds when competing for food, or to defend the nest from predators. On either side of the bill are tube-shaped nostrils. These serve as drains from their salt glands, and contribute to their well-developed sense of smell.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10028291

by A. E. Wright

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How to cite this page

Paul Sagar, Albatrosses – Albatrosses, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/7054/albatross-head-and-bill (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Paul Sagar, published 2 March 2009.