Non-Breeding Birds Distribution Map

Shy Albatross (Diomedea cauta)

The Washington Gap Analysis Project created breeding bird maps only. The non-breeding birds (e.g., wintering, pelagic (coastal), and birds expanding their ranges) are represented only by NatureMapping sightings.

The Washington Gap Analysis Project could not find any historical research records (i.e., Breeding Bird Atlas, Breeding Bird Survey, Bird Banding and Recovery) for 73 species of birds. The Shy Albatross is one of the species.

NatureMapping observations reported by townships throughout the year.

Species Distribution Information

There has only been one sighting reported off the coast of Washington. This albatross nests on islands near New Zealand and along the south Indian and south Pacific oceans. The first North American Audubon sighting in Washington was collected 35 miles off the Quillayute River mouth in September 1951, apparently the New Zealand-breeding subspecies steadi. A second Washington Audubon sighting occurred on a pelagic trip off Westport in January 2000 and is said to represent the subspecies cauta that breeds in Australia.