The short-tailed albatross is a large bird that is found across the Northern Pacific ocean. This species has been placed on the Endangered Species List in Oregon, Hawaii, Washington, California, Alaska and Japan. Short-tailed Albatross is the common name for a large bird in the Diomedeidae family scientifically known as the Diomedea Albatrus. The short-tailed albatross has rapidly decreased in number. Its numbers have been drastically reduced by commercial feather collection and destruction of nesting habitat by volcanic eruptions.
Young birds are chocolate brown, gradually turning white as they grow older.
Adult short-tailed albatrosses have an entirely white back, white or pale yellow head and back of neck, and black and white wings. The physical characteristics of the North Pacific Ocean vary seasonally and monthly, but most often are described by moderate to high winds, large swells, and a turbulent ocean surface. The majority of short-tailed albatrosses initiate breeding between 7 and 8 years of age. Pairs are monogamous and divorce is seldom. Both sexes build nests, incubate eggs, and brood and feed chicks.