Gibson’s albatross have a white face and throat with brownish crowns. It is a large albatross that becomes whiter as it matures, but often retains some dark tail feathers. Gibson’s albatross is similar to Antipodean albatross, but usually have lighter plumage. The upper wings can range from dark to almost all white, and the under wings have dark tips. Average wingspan is 64 cm.

Gibson’s albatross are endemic to New Zealand, although they range throughout the south Pacific Ocean from Australia to Chile. Breeding takes place biennially for successful breeders, or annually for failed breeders, and only occurs at the Auckland Islands.

Gibson’s albatross are considered ‘Range restricted’ by the Department of Conservation and ‘Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

It has been estimated that there are around 7,400 breeding pairs.

Gibson’s albatross feed mainly on squid, fish, and some carrion.

Gibson’s albatross are caught in commercial longline fishing operations, notably the southern bluefin tuna fishery.

International Union for Conservation of nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red list

New Zealand Threat Classification System list