A mollymawk, also known as a mollyhawk, is a term used to refer to several species of medium-sized seabirds belonging to the family Diomedeidae. These birds are usually found in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in the waters surrounding New Zealand and in the subantarctic regions.
Mollymawks are characterized by their long, narrow wings and robust bodies. They typically have a wingspan of around two meters, allowing them to glide effortlessly for long distances while searching for food. These seabirds have a distinctive flight pattern, appearing graceful and agile as they soar over the open ocean currents.
One species of mollymawk, the white-capped mollymawk (Thalassarche cauta), is known for its striking appearance. It has a white face and crown, contrasting with its dark body and wings. Another common species, the black-browed mollymawk (Thalassarche melanophris), sports a black stripe above each eye, accentuating its pale grey face.
Mollymawks feed primarily on fish, squid, and krill, which they catch by diving into the water from flight or by scavenging from the surface. They are highly skilled hunters and spend most of their lives at sea, only returning to land to breed and raise their chicks.
Due to their pelagic nature and wide range, mollymawks have valuable ecological contributions, particularly in maintaining marine food chains and nutrient cycling. However, like many other seabird species, they face various threats, including habitat degradation, overfishing, and marine pollution, which pose challenges to their long-term conservation.
