Small Lifou White-eye

Huge albatross of the Southern Ocean. Two subspecies: “Gibson’s” breeds primarily on Auckland Island and ranges at sea around New Zealand and eastern Australia; “Antipodean” breeds mostly on Antipodes and Campbell Islands and ranges mainly across Pacific to Humboldt Current off Chile. Plumage highly variable, starting chocolate-brown with a white face and gradually becoming whiter over many years. Younger birds separated from Southern Royal Albatross by darker tail, brown markings on head and back, and lack of black “lips” on cutting edge of bill. Older birds more difficult to separate; focus on more coarsely marked upperwings, often with conspicuous white patch in center of wing, and lack of black “lips”. Often shows orange stain on cheek, never shown by Southern Royal. Identification from other Wandering-type Albatross is extremely difficult and often presumed by range. Older “Antipodean” often retain complete dark cap, tail, and upperwings.

An eye-catching waterbird found on lakes and ponds with extensive floating vegetation. Long-tailed breeding adults are striking: the large white wing patch and head contrast sharply with its black body and bright yellow neck patch. Short-tailed wintering adults and juveniles have a brown back, white underparts, and a toned-down version of the breeder's head pattern. Vocalizations include a variety of nasal clucking and purring calls; song, seldom heard, a repeated, ringing “ku-woo.”

Odd-looking, chunky, sparrowlike bird with a strong bill. Body is heavily streaked; most distinctive features are the dark brown crown and well-marked pale eyebrows. A yellow spot on the throat is rarely visible in the field. Found in open and rocky country from stony hillsides to villages and farmland. The call "vui" is quite memorable.