Albatros à sourcils noirs

Disgracieux sur terre, ces oiseaux sont des maîtres de l'air.

Informations sur : Black-browed Albatross

Our Expert Says… "One of the real highlights of visiting the outer islands in the Falklands, these birds are iconic. Although they don't breed in Antarctica, they are a common sight out at sea on the crossings and wonderful to spot from your ship."

Also known as the black-browed Mollymawk, the black-browed albatross is a medium-sized species that live widely across the sub-Antarctic region. It has an average wingspan of up to 2.4m (7ft 10") and adults weigh between 3.2 and 4.5gk (7 to 10 lbs).

Long-lived, in the wild these albatross can live up to 70 years and there are estimated to be about 1.2 million individuals. Almost a third of the entire world population breeds on the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.

Like all albatross, the black-browed albatross produces a waxy stomach oil that they use as a high energy food source for chicks as well as to sustain themselves during their long flights. If attacked by predators they can also expel the sticky substance from their beak as a form of defense.

Although their diet is mainly fish, squid and crustaceans they can be opportunistic feeders and have been witnessed stealing from other species.

Slightly ungainly on the ground, these birds are the very image of elegance in the air. Skilled gliders, they barely need to flap their wings as they skim the waves. You will spot many of them while cruising between destinations, and crossing the Drake Passage, and your expert wildlife guides will help you identify the black-browed albatross from the other species you will encounter on your Antarctic cruise.

Photos : Black-browed Albatross

Points forts où l'on peut voir : Black-browed Albatross

Cap Horn

Cape Horn (known as Cabo de Hornos in Spanish) is the southernmost point of South America. It’s not technically part of the mainland, as it is the Tierra del Fuego archipelago’s most southerly headland.

Before the Panama Canal opened, it was the route used by shipping to go from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and its waters have a reputation for being treacherous. Thanks to the fierce currents, huge waves, strong winds, and frequent icebergs, Cape Horn is still a challenge to navigate and is seen as a “bucket list” passage for many yachtsmen.

It is also amazing for a wide range of seabirds, and marine mammals. Do look out for the Dusky Dolphin as well as the more regularly encountered Peale's Dolphin.

If your cruise vessel “rounds the Horn” then you can join the privileged ranks of those who have sailed between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans off the southernmost tip of South America!