A marked bird

This white-capped albatross might look like it is feeling a bit blue, but do not worry - it probably isn't.

Department of Conservation Taiaroa Head ranger Lyndon Perriman said the mark was probably painted on by a researcher at a nest site.

"[It might be a] mark recapture study, monitoring changeovers at the nest, or this bird might be carrying a transmitter, so it might need to be recaptured again when it returns home.''

Mr Perriman said the bird, spotted near Karitane, might not be from a New Zealand island, since albatrosses can travel thousands of kilometres from home.

The paint, he said, was probably non-toxic and would come off in a matter of weeks.