what does a wandering albatross eat

Wandering Albatross

These remarkably efficient gliders, named after the Greek hero Diomedes, have the largest wingspan of any bird on the planet

Region: Antarctica

Destinations: Bouvet Island, Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia

Name : Wandering Albatross, Snowy Albatross, White-winged Albatross ( Diomedea exulans )

Length: Up to 135 cm.

Weight : 6 to 12kg.

Location : All oceans except in the North Atlantic.

Conservation status : Vulnerable.

Diet : Cephalopods, small fish, crustaceans.

Appearance : White with grey-black wings, hooked bill.

How do Wandering Albatrosses feed?

Wandering Albatrosses make shallow dives when hunting. They’ll also attempt to eat almost anything they come across and will follow ships in the hopes of feeding on its garbage. They can gorge themselves so much that they become unable to fly and just have to float on the water.

How fast do Wandering Albatrosses fly?

Wandering Albatrosses can fly up to 40 km per hour.

What are Wandering Albatross mating rituals like?

Wandering Albatrosses mature sexually around 11 years of age. When courting, the male Wandering Albatross will spread his wings, wave his head around, and rap his bills against that of the female while making a braying noise. The pair will mate for life, breeding every 2 years. Mating season starts in early November with the Albatrosses creating nests of mud and grass on one of the Sub-Antarctic islands. The female will lay 1 egg about 10 cm long, sometime between the middle of December and early January. Incubation takes around 11 weeks, the parents taking turns. Once the chick is born the adults switch off between hunting and staying to care for the chick. The hunting parent returns to regurgitate stomach oil for the chick to feed on. Eventually both parents will start to hunt at the same time, visiting with the chick at widening intervals.

How long do Wandering Albatrosses live?

Wandering Albatrosses can live for over 50 years.

How many Wandering Albatrosses are there today?

There are about 25.200 adult Wandering Albatrosses in the world today.

Do Wandering Albatrosses have any natural predators?

Because they’re so big and spend almost all of their lives in flight, Wandering Albatrosses have almost no natural predators.

7 Wonderful Wandering Albatross Facts

• The Wandering Albatross is the largest member of its genus ( Diomedea ) and is one of the largest birds in the world.
• Wandering Albatrosses are also one of the best known and most studied species of birds.
• Diomedea refers to Diomedes, a hero in Greek mythology; of all the Acheaens he and Ajax were 2 nd only to Achilles in prowess. In mythology all of his companions turned into birds. Exulans is Latin for “exile” or “wanderer.”
• Wandering Albatrosses have the largest wingspan of any bird in the world today, stretching up to 3.5 metres across.
• Wandering Albatrosses are great gliders – they can soar through the sky without flapping their wings for several hours at a time. They’re so efficient at flying that they can actually use up less energy in the air than they would while sitting in a nest.
• Wandering Albatrosses have a special gland above their nasal passage that excretes a high saline solution. This helps keep salt level in their body, combating all the salt water they take in.
• Wandering Albatrosses get whiter the older they get.  

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Fact Animal

Facts About Animals

Wandering Albatross Facts

Wandering albatross profile.

In 1961, Dion and the Del Satins had a song from the perspective of an albatross. It wasn’t accurate on many counts, but it did get one thing right: they get around.

The Diomedea exulans, more commonly known as the wandering albatross is perhaps the most accomplished wanderer of any animal, with routine voyages of hundreds of kilometres per day on record-breaking wings.

They are a large seabird with a circumpolar range in the Southern Ocean, and sometimes known as snowy albatross, white-winged albatross or goonie.

Wandering Albatross Facts Overview

The wandering albatross breeds on islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, such as South Georgia Island, Crozet Islands, Prince Edward Island and others.

They spend most of their life in flight , and land only to breed and feed.

These are phenomenal birds, capable of surviving some of the harshest weather conditions even at the most vulnerable stages of their development.

They are slow to reproduce, spending extra time to develop into one of the biggest and most specialised animals in the air.

Sadly, this is what makes them vulnerable to population declines, and longline fishing vessels are responsible for many adult deaths.

Interesting Wandering Albatross Facts

1. they can travel 120k km (75k) miles in a year.

The Wandering albatross might be the most wide-ranging of all foraging sea birds, and maybe of all animals. They’ve been tracked over 15,000 km in a single foraging trip, capable of speeds of up to 80 kmph and distances of over 900 km per day. 1

2. They’re monogamous (mostly)

This goes against the entire theme of the Del Satins song and is probably why it’s no longer used as a learning aid in the zoological curriculum.

Contrary to the promiscuous subject of the ‘60s hit, the Wandering Albatrosses mate for life and are (on average) monogamous.

When breeding, they take on incubation shifts, and it’s during these periods when the wanderer goes out on their epic voyages to return with food for their family.

Still, there’s an element of personal preference when it comes to breeding.

Most females will take a year or two off after the long and arduous task of reproduction. During this time the parents will go their separate ways, only to reunite when the time is right.

In these periods, some females will take on a temporary mate, so they can squeeze out one more chick before reuniting with their permanent nesting partner. 2

3. Wandering albatross are active in moonlight

When on these journeys, the albatross is almost constantly active. During the day they spend the entire time in the air, and while they don’t cover much distance at night, they were still recorded almost constantly moving – never stopping for more than 1.6h in the dark.

They appear to travel more on moonlit nights than on darker ones.

All of this data comes from satellite trackers attached to some birds, which are always going to skew the results.

Flying birds are optimised for weight, and trackers add to this weight, so there’s necessarily a negative effect on the individual’s fitness when lumbering them with a tracker.

Still, these subjects were able to outlast the trackers’ batteries on many occasions, and it’s safe to assume they’re capable of even more than we can realistically measure!

4. They have the largest wingspan of any bird in the world

One advantage that an albatross has over, say, a pigeon, when it comes to carrying a researcher’s hardware, is that it doesn’t need to flap much.

The albatross is the bird with the longest wingspan of any flying animal – growing up to 3.2 m (10.5 ft), and these wings are meticulously adapted for soaring.

The Guiness Book of Records claims the largest wingspan of any living species of bird was a wandering albatross with a wingspan of 3.63m (11 ft 11) caught in 1965 by scientists on the Antarctic research ship USNS Eltanin in the Tasman Sea.

Research has suggested that these wings function best against slight headwinds, and act like the sails of a boat, allowing the bird to cover more ground by “tacking”, like a sailboat: zig-zagging across the angle of the wind to make forward progress into it. 3

5. Fat chicks

As mentioned, these voyages are usually a result of foraging trips for their chicks.

The environment for a growing albatross is one of the least conducive for life. Freezing winter storms and exposed ledges make for a hilly upbringing for the baby birds.

Fed on a healthy diet of regurgitated squid, these albatross chicks grow to enormous sizes. On nesting sites, it’s not uncommon to find a fluffy baby albatross weighing up to 10kg.

These chicks are heavier than their parents, and they need the extra mass to protect them from the Winter season while they grow into fledglings. They’re also such big birds that they take longer than a season to reach maturity.

It takes around ten months of feeding, back and forth from the ocean every few days, for the parents to grow a healthy adult offspring.

6. Being a parent takes practice

When inexperienced parents were compared with those who’d brought up chicks before, it was found that their chicks are a little slower to fatten up, at least in the first few months.

Parents would feed less regularly, but with much larger amounts, and it seems to take a while to get the routine down.

By the end of the breeding season, these differences disappeared and the parents became fully qualified.

7. 25% of chicks die when they leave the colony

The huge chicks have one of the longest rearing periods of any bird, and this is after an 11-month incubation period! And if they survive all this, they still have a long way to go.

There’s a period of 3 to 7 years during which the young chick will leave the colony alone and spend the entire time at sea.

During the first two months of this learning phase, 25% of chicks die. This is a critical time for the young birds, but if they survive, they’ll return to the colony and find a mate. 4

8. They’re good sniffers

These birds feed primarily on smelly things like squid, and they’ve developed a very keen sense of smell to find them from downwind.

Wandering Albatrosses have one of the largest olfactory bulbs of any bird and they’re honed to fishy aromas.

They combine this sense with strong vision to identify productive areas of the ocean for hunting and foraging. 5

9. They are part of a ‘species complex’

When multiple species are so similar in appearance and other features, it makes their boundaries unclear and this group is known as a species complex.

The wandering albatross was long considered the same species as the Tristan albatross and the Antipodean albatross. Along with the Amsterdam albatross, they form a species complex.

Taxonomy of animals in general is tricky, and some researchers still describe them as the same species.

10. The wandering albatross is vulnerable

The ICUN has classified the wandering albatross as vulnerable, and the last study of their population size in 2007 indicated there were an estimated 25,000 birds.

The biggest threat to their survival is fishing, in particular longline fishing. This is where a long mainline is used with baited hooks, and they are prone to accidental catching of birds, as well as dolphins, sharks, turtles and other sea creatures. Pollution, mainly from plastics and fishing hooks is also a problem for birds such as the wandering albatross.

Convervation efforts are underway to reduce bycatch of albatrosses and some breeding islands are now classified as nature reserves.

Wandering Albatross Fact-File Summary

Scientific classification, fact sources & references.

• Jouventin, P., Weimerskirch, H (1990), “ Satellite tracking of Wandering albatrosses “, Nature.
• GrrlScientist (2022), “ Divorce Is More Common In Albatross Couples With Shy Males, Study Finds “, Forbes.
• Richardson, P. L., Wakefield, E. D., & Phillips, R. A. (2018), “ Flight speed and performance of the wandering albatross with respect to wind “, Movement Ecology.
• Weimerskirch, H., Cherel, Y., Delord, K., Jaeger, A., Patrick, S. C., & Riotte-Lambert, L. (2014), “ Lifetime foraging patterns of the wandering albatross: Life on the move! “, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology.
• Nevitt, G. A., Losekoot, M., & Weimerskirch, H. (2008), “ Evidence for olfactory search in wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans “, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The Wandering Albatross

The Wandering Albatross, also known as Diomedea exulans, is a majestic seabird that belongs to the albatross family. This species is renowned for having the largest wingspan of any living bird, reaching an impressive measure of up to 11 feet. With their long, slender wings, they effortlessly glide through the air, utilizing air currents to cover great distances over the southern oceans. These beautiful birds have a white plumage, with black outer wing feathers and a distinctive pinkish bill. They possess a keen sense of smell, allowing them to locate food sources such as fish and squid from great distances. Wandering Albatrosses are known for their lifelong monogamous relationships and elaborate mating rituals, consisting of intricate dances and vocalizations.

Wandering Albatross Matchups

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Wandering albatross : diet, predators, aggression, and defensive behaviors, what do wandering albatrosses eat.

Wandering Albatrosses primarily feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are skilled predators that use their keen eyesight to spot prey from high above the ocean's surface. They are known to travel long distances in search of food, often following fishing vessels to scavenge for leftovers.

Do Wandering Albatrosses have any predators?

Wandering Albatrosses are impressive birds with few natural predators due to their large size and ability to soar long distances. However, their eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predation by invasive species such as rats and feral cats on their breeding islands. In some cases, adult albatrosses may also fall prey to large birds of prey like skuas.

Are Wandering Albatrosses aggressive?

Wandering Albatrosses are not typically aggressive birds. They are known for their peaceful nature and spend a majority of their time flying over the open ocean in search of food. They do, however, display aggression towards intruders near their breeding colonies to protect their mates and nesting sites.

Do Wandering Albatrosses fight?

Wandering Albatrosses are not known to engage in physical fights with each other or other species, as their territorial disputes are usually settled through displays of courtship or aggressive behavior. These displays involve posturing, vocalizations, and bill-snapping rather than actual physical violence.

How do Wandering Albatrosses defend themselves?

Wandering Albatrosses have evolved several strategies to defend themselves against potential threats. One of their main defenses is their ability to fly long distances over the ocean, allowing them to escape from danger quickly. They also rely on their large size and sharp beaks to ward off predators or rivals if necessary.

What is the biggest weakness of Wandering Albatrosses in a fight?

One of the biggest weaknesses of Wandering Albatrosses in a fight is their vulnerability on land. While they are powerful and agile flyers, albatrosses are not well-equipped for ground combat. Their long wings and legs make them less maneuverable on solid ground, leaving them at a disadvantage against smaller, more agile predators that may ambush them near their nesting sites.

Fun Fact : These amazing seabirds have a lifespan of approximately 50 years, with some individuals being recorded to live up to 70 years, making them one of the longest-living birds in the world.

Fun Fact : The Wandering Albatross nests on remote islands, such as the sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia and the Crozet Islands. They create their nests on rugged terrain, where they lay a single egg and take turns incubating it, with both parents sharing the responsibility equally.

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Wandering albatross

Scientific name: Diomedea exulans

Physical description

Wandering albatross have a white head, neck and body, a wedge-shaped tail, and a large pink beak.

Juveniles have mostly dark plumage, which gradually whitens with age.

Distribution and abundance

Wandering albatross are found across the Southern Ocean. This includes Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and subtropical waters.

Wandering albatross breed on sub-Antarctic and Antarctic islands between 46° and 56°S.

Breeding islands include Iles Kerguelen, South Georgia and Macquarie Island.

Young birds remain at sea for 5–10 years before returning to their natal island to breed.

Conservation status: vulnerable with population trends decreasing. Decreasing populations are due to the birds being caught in long-line fishing operations.

Wandering albatross breed once every two years. Both parents share the task of incubating the half-kilogram egg and rearing the chick.

Diet and feeding

Wandering albatross eat fish, cephalopods, jellyfish and sometimes crustaceans. They also eat penguin and seal carrion.

Chicks consume up to 100 kg of food during their rearing period. The rearing period lasts for approximately 300 days.

Foraging trips of wandering albatross can last for 50 days at a time. These trips tend to be much shorter during the breeding season.

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Diomedea exulans wandering albatross

Geographic Range

Wandering albatrosses are found almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, although occasional sightings just north of the Equator have been reported. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 )

There is some disagreement over how many subspecies of wandering albatross ( Diomedea exulans ) there are, and whether they should be considered separate species. Most subspecies of Diomedea exulans are difficult to tell apart, especially as juveniles, but DNA analyses have shown that significant differences exist. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 )

Diomedea exulans exulans breeds on South Georgia, Prince Edward, Marion, Crozet, Kerguelen, and Macquarie islands. Diomedea exulans dabbenena occurs on Gough and Inaccessible islands, ranging over the Atlantic Ocean to western coastal Africa. Diomedea exulans antipodensis is found primarily on the Antipodes of New Zealand, and ranges at sea from Chile to eastern Australia. Diomedea exulans amsterdamensis is found only on Amsterdam Island and the surrounding seas. Other subspecies names that have become obsolete include Diomedea exulans gibsoni , now commonly considered part of D. e. antipodensis , and Diomedea exulans chionoptera , considered part of D. e. exulans . ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 )

• Biogeographic Regions

Wandering albatrosses breed on several subantarctic islands, which are characterized by peat soils, tussock grass, sedges, mosses, and shrubs. Wandering albatrosses nest in sheltered areas on plateaus, ridges, plains, or valleys.

Outside of the breeding season, wandering albatrosses are found only in the open ocean, where food is abundant. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 )

• Habitat Regions
• terrestrial
• saltwater or marine
• Terrestrial Biomes
• savanna or grassland
• Aquatic Biomes

Physical Description

All subspecies of wandering albatrosses have extremely long wingspans (averaging just over 3 meters), white underwing coverts, and pink bills. Adult body plumage ranges from pure white to dark brown, and the wings range from being entirely blackish to a combination of black with white coverts and scapulars. They are distinguished from the closely related royal albatross by their white eyelids, pink bill color, lack of black on the maxilla, and head and body shape. On average, males have longer bills, tarsi, tails, and wings than females. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

Juveniles of all subspecies are very much alike; they have chocolate-brown plumage with a white face and black wings. As individuals age, most become progressively whiter with each molt, starting with the back. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

D. e. exulans averages larger than other recognized subspecies, and is the only taxon that achieves fully white body plumage, and this only in males. Although females do not become pure white, they can still be distinguished from other subspecies by color alone. Adults also have mostly white coverts, with black only on the primaries and secondaries. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

Adults of D. e. amsterdamensis have dark brown plumage with white faces and black crowns, and are distinguished from juveniles by their white bellies and throats. In addition to their black tails, they also have a black stripe along the cutting edge of the maxilla, a character otherwise found in D. epomophora but not other forms of D. exulans . Males and females are similar in plumage. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

Adults of D. e. antipodensis display sexual dimorphism in plumage, with older males appearing white with some brown splotching, while adult females have mostly brown underparts and a white face. Both sexes also have a brown breast band. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

With age, D. e. dabbenena gradually attains white plumage, although it never becomes as white as male D. e. exulans . The wing coverts also appear mostly black, although there may be white patches. Females have more brown splotches than males, and have less white in their wing coverts. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

• Other Physical Features
• endothermic
• homoiothermic
• bilateral symmetry
• Sexual Dimorphism
• sexes alike
• male larger
• sexes colored or patterned differently
• Average mass 8130 g 286.52 oz AnAge
• Range length 1.1 to 1.35 m 3.61 to 4.43 ft
• Range wingspan 2.5 to 3.5 m 8.20 to 11.48 ft
• Average wingspan 3.1 m 10.17 ft
• Average basal metabolic rate 20.3649 W AnAge

Reproduction

Wandering albatrosses have a biennial breeding cycle, and pairs with chicks from the previous season co-exist in colonies with mating and incubating pairs. Pairs unsuccessful in one year may try to mate again in the same year or the next one, but their chances of successfully rearing young are low. ( Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

After foraging at sea, males arrive first at the same breeding site every year within days of each other. They locate and reuse old nests or sometimes create new ones. Females arrive later, over the course of a few weeks. Wandering albatrosses have a monogamous mating strategy, forming pair bonds for life. Females may bond temporarily with other males if their partner and nest are not readily visible. ( Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

• Mating System

Copulation occurs in the austral summer, usually around December (February for D. e. amsterdamensis ). Rape and extra-pair copulations are frequent, despite their monogamous mating strategy. Pairs nest on slopes or valleys, usually in the cover of grasses or shrubs. Nests are depressions lined with grass, twigs, and soil. A single egg is laid and, if incubation or rearing fails, pairs usually wait until the following year to try again. Both parents incubate eggs, which takes about 78 days on average. Although females take the first shift, males are eager to take over incubation and may forcefully push females off the egg. Untended eggs are in danger of predation by skuas ( Stercorarius ) and sheathbills ( Chionis ). ( Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

After the chick hatches, they are brooded for about 4 to 6 weeks until they can be left alone at the nest. Males and females alternate foraging at sea. Following the brooding period, both parents leave the chick by itself while they forage. The chicks are entirely dependent on their parents for food for 9 to 10 months, and may wait weeks for them to return. Chicks are entirely independent once they fledge. ( Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

Some individuals may reach sexual maturity by age 6. Immature, non-breeding individuals will return to the breeding site. Group displays are common among non-breeding adults, but most breeding adults do not participate. ( Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

• Key Reproductive Features
• iteroparous
• seasonal breeding
• gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)
• Breeding interval Breeding occurs biennially, possibly annually if the previous season's attempt fails.
• Breeding season Breeding occurs from December through March.
• Average eggs per season 1
• Range time to hatching 74 to 85 days
• Range fledging age 7 to 10 months
• Range time to independence 7 to 10 months
• Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female) 6 to 22 years
• Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female) 10 years
• Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male) 6 to 22 years
• Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male) 10 years

Males choose the nesting territory, and stay at the nest site more than females before incubation. Parents alternate during incubation, and later during brooding and feeding once the chick is old enough to be left alone at the nest. Although there is generally equal parental investment, males will tend to invest more as the chick nears fledging. Occasionally, a single parent may successfully rear its chick. ( Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

• Parental Investment
• provisioning

Lifespan/Longevity

Wandering albatrosses are long-lived. An individual nicknamed "Grandma" was recorded to live over 60 years in New Zealand. Due to the late onset of maturity, with the average age at first breeding about 10 years, such longevity is not unexpected. However, there is fairly high chick mortality, ranging from 30 to 75%. Their slow breeding cycle and late onset of maturity make wandering albatrosses highly susceptible to population declines when adults are caught as bycatch in fishing nets. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

• Range lifespan Status: wild 60 (high) years
• Average lifespan Status: wild 415 months Bird Banding Laboratory

While foraging at sea, wandering albatrosses travel in small groups. Large feeding frenzies may occur around fishing boats. Individuals may travel thousands of kilometers away from their breeding grounds, even occasionally crossing the equator.

During the breeding season, Wandering albatrosses are gregarious and displays are common (see “Communication and Perception” section, below). Vocalizations and displays occur during mating or territorial defense. ( Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

• Key Behaviors
• territorial
• Average territory size 1 m^2

Wandering albatrosses defend small nesting territories, otherwise the range within which they travel is many thousands of square kilometers. ( Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

Communication and Perception

Displays and vocalizations are common when defending territory or mating. They include croaks, bill-clapping, bill-touching, skypointing, trumpeting, head-shaking, the "ecstatic" gesture, and "the gawky-look". Individuals may also vocalize when fighting over food. ( Shirihai, 2002 )

• Communication Channels
• Perception Channels

Food Habits

Wandering albatrosses primarily eat fish, such as toothfish ( Dissostichus ), squids, other cephalopods, and occasional crustaceans. The primary method of foraging is by surface-seizing, but they have the ability to plunge and dive up to 1 meter. They will sometimes follow fishing boats and feed on catches with other Procellariiformes , which they usually outcompete because of their size. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 )

• Primary Diet
• molluscivore
• Animal Foods
• aquatic crustaceans

Although humans formerly hunted wandering albatrosses as food, adults currently have no predators. Their large size, sharp bill, and occasionally aggressive behavior make them undesirable opponents. However, some are inadvertently caught during large-scale fishing operations.

Chicks and eggs, on the other hand, are susceptible to predation from skuas and sheathbills, and formerly were harvested by humans as well. Eggs that fall out of nests or are unattended are quickly preyed upon. Nests are frequently sheltered with plant material to make them less conspicuous. Small chicks that are still in the brooding stage are easy targets for large carnivorous seabirds. Introduced predators, including mice, pigs, cats, rats, and goats are also known to eat eggs and chicks. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; IUCN, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 ; Tickell, 1968 )

• skuas ( Stercorariidae )
• sheathbills ( Chionis )
• domestic cats ( Felis silvestris )
• introduced pigs ( Sus scrofa )
• introduced goats ( Capra hircus )
• introduced rats ( Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus )
• introduced mice ( Mus musculus )

Ecosystem Roles

Wandering albatrosses are predators, feeding on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. They are known for their ability to compete with other seabirds for food, particularly near fishing boats. Although adult birds, their eggs, and their chicks were formerly a source of food to humans, such practices have been stopped. ( IUCN, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 )

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

Wandering albatrosses have extraordinary morphology, with perhaps the longest wingspan of any bird. Their enormous size also makes them popular in ecotourism excursions, especially for birders. Declining population numbers also mean increased conservation efforts. Their relative tameness towards humans makes them ideal for research and study. ( Shirihai, 2002 )

• Positive Impacts
• research and education

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

Wandering albatrosses, along with other seabirds, follow fishing boats to take advantage of helpless fish and are reputed to reduce economic output from these fisheries. Albatrosses also become incidental bycatch, hampering conservation efforts. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; IUCN, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 )

Conservation Status

Diomedea exulans exulans and Diomedea exulans antipodensis are listed by the IUCN Red list and Birdlife International as being vulnerable; Diomedea exulans dabbenena is listed as endangered, and Diomedea exulans amsterdamensis is listed as critically endangered.

All subspecies of Diomedea exulans are highly vulnerable to becoming bycatch of commercial fisheries, and population declines are mostly attributed to this. Introduced predators such as feral cats , pigs , goats , and rats on various islands leads to high mortality rates of chicks and eggs. Diomedea exulans amsterdamensis is listed as critically endangered due to introduced predators, risk of becoming bycatch, small population size, threat of chick mortality by disease, and loss of habitat to cattle farming.

Some conservation measures that have been taken include removal of introduced predators from islands, listing breeding habitats as World Heritage Sites, fishery relocation, and population monitoring. ( Birdlife International, 2006 ; IUCN, 2006 ; Shirihai, 2002 )

• IUCN Red List Vulnerable More information
• US Migratory Bird Act No special status
• US Federal List No special status
• CITES No special status

Contributors

Tanya Dewey (editor), Animal Diversity Web.

Lauren Scopel (author), Michigan State University, Pamela Rasmussen (editor, instructor), Michigan State University.

the body of water between Africa, Europe, the southern ocean (above 60 degrees south latitude), and the western hemisphere. It is the second largest ocean in the world after the Pacific Ocean.

body of water between the southern ocean (above 60 degrees south latitude), Australia, Asia, and the western hemisphere. This is the world's largest ocean, covering about 28% of the world's surface.

uses sound to communicate

young are born in a relatively underdeveloped state; they are unable to feed or care for themselves or locomote independently for a period of time after birth/hatching. In birds, naked and helpless after hatching.

having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.

an animal that mainly eats meat

uses smells or other chemicals to communicate

the nearshore aquatic habitats near a coast, or shoreline.

used loosely to describe any group of organisms living together or in close proximity to each other - for example nesting shorebirds that live in large colonies. More specifically refers to a group of organisms in which members act as specialized subunits (a continuous, modular society) - as in clonal organisms.

• active during the day, 2. lasting for one day.

humans benefit economically by promoting tourism that focuses on the appreciation of natural areas or animals. Ecotourism implies that there are existing programs that profit from the appreciation of natural areas or animals.

animals that use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature independently of ambient temperature. Endothermy is a synapomorphy of the Mammalia, although it may have arisen in a (now extinct) synapsid ancestor; the fossil record does not distinguish these possibilities. Convergent in birds.

offspring are produced in more than one group (litters, clutches, etc.) and across multiple seasons (or other periods hospitable to reproduction). Iteroparous animals must, by definition, survive over multiple seasons (or periodic condition changes).

eats mollusks, members of Phylum Mollusca

Having one mate at a time.

having the capacity to move from one place to another.

the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic.

generally wanders from place to place, usually within a well-defined range.

islands that are not part of continental shelf areas, they are not, and have never been, connected to a continental land mass, most typically these are volcanic islands.

reproduction in which eggs are released by the female; development of offspring occurs outside the mother's body.

An aquatic biome consisting of the open ocean, far from land, does not include sea bottom (benthic zone).

an animal that mainly eats fish

the regions of the earth that surround the north and south poles, from the north pole to 60 degrees north and from the south pole to 60 degrees south.

mainly lives in oceans, seas, or other bodies of salt water.

breeding is confined to a particular season

reproduction that includes combining the genetic contribution of two individuals, a male and a female

associates with others of its species; forms social groups.

uses touch to communicate

that region of the Earth between 23.5 degrees North and 60 degrees North (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle) and between 23.5 degrees South and 60 degrees South (between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle).

Living on the ground.

defends an area within the home range, occupied by a single animals or group of animals of the same species and held through overt defense, display, or advertisement

A terrestrial biome. Savannas are grasslands with scattered individual trees that do not form a closed canopy. Extensive savannas are found in parts of subtropical and tropical Africa and South America, and in Australia.

A grassland with scattered trees or scattered clumps of trees, a type of community intermediate between grassland and forest. See also Tropical savanna and grassland biome.

A terrestrial biome found in temperate latitudes (>23.5° N or S latitude). Vegetation is made up mostly of grasses, the height and species diversity of which depend largely on the amount of moisture available. Fire and grazing are important in the long-term maintenance of grasslands.

uses sight to communicate

Birdlife International, 2006. "Species factsheets" (On-line). Accessed November 07, 2006 at http://www.birdlife.org .

IUCN, 2006. "2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species" (On-line). Accessed November 06, 2006 at http://www.iucnredlist.org .

Shirihai, H. 2002. The Complete Guide to Antarctic Wildlife . New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

Tickell, W. 1968. Biology of Great Albatrosses. Pp. 1-53 in Antarctic Bird Studies . Baltimore: Horn-Schafer.

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Wandering Albatross

• Updated 28/07/23
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• IUCN Conservation Status VULNERABLE (VU)
• Classification Genus Diomedea Species exulans Family Diomedeidae Order Procellariiformes Class Aves
• Size Range 80 cm to 135 cm

The Wandering Albatross is the largest of the albatrosses and is the living bird with the greatest wingspan, measuring almost 3.5 m.

What do Wandering Albatrosses look like?

Identification.

The adult Wandering Albatross appears entirely white from a distance. Close up, the fine black wavy lines on the breast, neck and upper back become visible. The bill can vary in colour, but is normally yellowish-pink. The white tail is occasionally tipped with black and the back of the wing changes from black to white with age. A series of plumage phases are passed through as young birds reach full adult plumage, which can take up to nine years. Females are slightly smaller than males.

Where do Wandering Albatrosses live?

Wandering Albatrosses spend most of their life in flight, landing only to breed and feed. Distances travelled each year are hard to measure, but one banded bird was recorded travelling 6000 km in twelve days.

Distribution

The Wandering Albatross visits Australian waters from Fremantle, Western Australia to northern New South Wales between June and September each year. At other times birds roam the southern oceans and commonly follow fishing boats for several days.

What do Wandering Albatrosses eat?

Feeding and diet.

Wandering Albatrosses are often seen scavenging scraps from fishing boats, but squid and fish are the preferred foods. Galley refuse and floating waste also form part of the diet. Feeding is one of the few times that birds land, and this is mostly undertaken at night.

What are Wandering Albatrosses breeding behaviours?

Breeding behaviour/s.

Pairs of Wandering Albatrosses mate for life and breed every two years. Breeding takes place on subantarctic islands and commences in early November. The nest is a mound of mud and vegetation, and is placed on an exposed ridge near the sea. During the early stages of the chick's development, the parents take turns to sit on the nest while the other searches for food. Later, both adults hunt for food and visit the chick at irregular intervals.

Breeding Season: November.

The Australian Museum respects and acknowledges the Gadigal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which the Museum stands.

Image credit: gadigal yilimung (shield) made by Uncle Charles  Chicka  Madden

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Albatrosses are a group of large seagoing birds in the Diomedeidae family. Scientists recognize 22 different species of Albatross. Sadly, every single species is in danger of extinction to some degree. In fact, the IUCN lists two species as Critically Endangered, the Tristan Albatross and the Waved Albatross . Read on to learn about the animal .

Description of the Albatross

These birds are incredibly large, and have immense wingspans. The largest species, the wandering Albatross , has a wingspan of 12 ft. across! For birds with such large wings, they are surprisingly lightweight.

At their heaviest, most Albatrosses weigh no more than 25 lbs. or so. This is because they are perfectly adapted for aerodynamic ability, and the less you weigh, the easier it is to fly.

Interesting Facts About the Albatross

Because they are so large, it is a small wonder that these birds have attracted the attention of humans for centuries. Learn more about what makes these imposing seabirds so unique below.

• Not Just Big Birds – Albatrosses are not only incredibly large birds, but they are the largest in the world. Well … not in weight, but in wingspan. They have the longest wingspan of any living bird today! Several species of pelican are also near the top of the list, as well as the Andean condor .
• True Seabirds – The many different species of Albatrosses all share a similar trait. These birds rarely come ashore. In fact, the only time they ever return to land is to reproduce. In fact, before they are old enough to breed, some birds might not step foot on land for up to 10 years!
• Long Wings and Long Lives – Not only do these birds have incredibly long wings, but they also live incredibly long lives. In fact, they have the longest life of any wild bird. Though some parrots surpass their longevity in zoos, Albatrosses hold the record for the oldest wild bird.
• Wisdom of the Albatross – A Laysan Albatross, called Wisdom, is at least 63 years old, and likely as old as 68! Researchers banded her in 1956, and scientists estimate that she was 5 years old when the band was placed. Amazingly, she has raised a chick every year since 2006!

Habitat of the Albatross

Even though there are many different species of Albatross, these birds all share the same habitat – the sea! All species spend most of their lives on or above the ocean, and only come to shore when they are ready to breed.

Most species prefer to feed in exceptionally deep areas, though they cannot dive very far below the surface. They rarely hunt for fish in oceans shallower than 3,000 ft. deep.

Distribution of the Albatross

These birds live in two wide bands across the open ocean of the southern hemisphere and the northern hemisphere, with the exception of the North Atlantic Ocean.

The vast majority of species live to the south, primarily between Antarctica and the southern coasts of South America, Africa, and Australia. There are several species that live in the northern Pacific Ocean, from the west coast of North America to the east coast of Asia.

Diet of the Albatross

As seabirds, Albatrosses primarily feed on fish and other sea creatures. They hunt the oceans for squid, octopus, fish, shrimp, krill, and more. Sometimes they also eat carrion, or the scraps left behind by other hunters.

Each species of Albatross hunts for different types of prey, and their target also depends on the season. While they are breeding, they can only eat what foods are close to their colonies.

Albatross and Human Interaction

Sadly, human activity has not been kind to these birds. In fact, there is not a single species of Albatross that is not in danger of extinction. Humans have hunted these birds, killed them for sport, or simply for entertainment, and harvested them for their feathers and their eggs.

Fishermen also accidentally kill Albatrosses in commercial longline fishing. There are many different threats to these birds, the extent of which varies by species.

Domestication

Humans have not domesticated Albatrosses in any way.

Does the Albatross Make a Good Pet

No, Albatrosses do not make good pets. These birds spend their lives soaring over the open ocean, and would not do well as a household pet. It is also illegal to harm, harass, capture, own, or kill them.

Albatross Care

These birds rarely end up in zoos, but those that do suffered severe injuries in some way. Sometimes an wounded animal cannot survive in the wild. Rather than euthanizing the animal, if they can still live a pain-free life, zoos will take it into their care.

Albatrosses in zoos, like the animals at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, help zookeepers teach visitors about their plight.

Behavior of the Albatross

Generally, behavior varies from species to species and individual to individual. As a whole, they spend long periods of time soaring on their wide wings. Scientists believe that they can sleep while they fly, but no one has ever seen a bird do this.

When they are ready to breed, large numbers of birds congregate in colonies on cliffs and bluffs near the ocean. Some colonies contain densely packed birds, while others are more spacious and loosely connected.

Reproduction of the Albatross

Each species of Albatross has different reproductive needs and strategies. Most birds do not begin to breed until they are several years old, and some species wait until they are up to 10 years old. They perform elaborate dances and courtship to choose mates. These mates return to the same colonies, and breed with the same mate, until one of them does not return.

Both the male and female incubate the eggs, usually for 2.5 to 3 months. Some species do not begin to fledge until they are 9 months old, and the rate varies by species.

Beliefs, Superstitions, and Phobias About the Albatross

Sailors are quite superstitious, and believe that it is bad luck to kill an Albatross. An old poem, describing a sailor who killed an Albatross and had to carry the dead bird around his neck, even created a metaphor about Albatrosses being a burden one must carry. Sadly, despite the myth, people still killed Albatrosses.

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Albatrosses: Facts about the biggest flying birds

The biggest flying bird in the world can go for years without touching land, has complicated, comical mating dances that take years to learn, and might even help scientists track down illegal fishing vessels.

Albatrosses are big, majestic birds that can be found soaring above most of the world’s oceans.

These frequent fliers are known for spending months in the air without touching down, as well as having some unique mating arrangements. However, thanks to harmful fishing techniques and predation by invasive species, albatrosses around the world are either under threat or endangered.

There are 23 species of albatrosses, though arguably the most famous is the wandering albatross ( Diomedea exulans ), which is the largest flying bird in the world. This bird has a 11-foot (3.4 meter) wingspan, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica — even bigger than the famous California condor — and it uses those massive flappers to travel thousands of miles in a single journey.

Related:   Your dumb party balloons are killing all the seabirds

A life in the air

But rather than flapping its wings, wandering albatrosses (and many other large albatrosses) travel such far distances by holding their extended wings in place so that the air rushing around the wings generates lift, similar to an airplane's wings. An airplane forces air over its wings with an engine, whereas albatross take advantage of the extremely windy latitudes in the southern oceans. 

This latitude range is "called the 'roaring 40s' and 'furious 50s' for a reason," said Andrea Angel, the Albatross Task Force manager with Birdlife South Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bird conservation. With near constant wind in their environment, albatrosses are able to "lock their elbow joints and literally just fix their wings [in place] and just glide," Angel said. The birds also use something called "dynamic soaring," which involves changing the angle of their wings relative to the wind, to maximize the lift generated — a similar technique could help unmanned research aircraft stay aloft for months, the Independent reported .

Related: A hot blob in the Pacific Ocean caused 1 million seabirds to die

An albatross can go a year or more without setting foot on land, Angel said, although the birds do touch down in water in order to feed on the squid and fish that make up their diet. In fact, it's the tiny alpine swift, not the albatross, that holds the record for non-stop distance flying, as reported in a 2013 study published in the journal Nature Communications . 

As for sleep, Angel said that it's very likely that albatrosses sleep on the wing. A 2016 study published in Nature Communications described how a distant cousin of the albatross, the frigatebird, has many, seconds-long periods of sleep while flying, suggesting that sleeping in the air is definitely possible for other long-distance traveling seabirds. And, based on microchip-tracked movements of albatrosses, "they can [fly] for hours on end, and so it is theorized that they do sleep on the wing," Angel said. "It's an accepted fact [that] because of their movements, they have to sleep."

All albatrosses are very long-lived. The oldest wild bird in the world is a Laysan albatross ( Phoebastria immutabilis ) named Wisdom, who was tagged in 1956 at the Laysan albatross colony at Midway Atoll in the North Pacific Ocean when she was already a mature adult. That makes her at least 66 years old, but she's likely older, and she's still going strong — as of 2018 she was still raising chicks, NPR reported . According to Breck Tyler, a lecturer at the University of California, Santa Cruz and retired research scientist who studied the Laysan albatross colony on Midway Atoll for decades, there are other Laysan albatrosses just a few years younger than Wisdom, so "she's probably not an outlier."

Related: World's oldest wild breeding bird is expecting her 41st chick

Although they're seabirds, albatrosses are generally poor divers, with few exceptions. The wandering albatross can only dive about 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 1 m) into the ocean, yet based on an analysis of its diet, scientists are pretty sure the wandering albatross eats squid that live deeper in the water, and are too big for an albatross to convincingly take down. It's possible the large bird just waits until a squid swims up to the surface, but a more convincing hypothesis is that the birds are actually eating squid bits that have been vomited up by whales, as described in a 1994 study published in the journal Antarctic Science . 

After a meal of whale upchuck, an albatross might wash that down with some refreshing seawater. All seabirds have a gland above their eyes that functions like a miniature kidney, allowing them to drink salt water and excrete it through the tip of their beak, according to the Travis Audubon Society .

Albatrosses mate for life, but aren't exclusive

Because albatrosses mate for life, picking the right partner is a major decision. All species of albatross have some sort of complicated mating dance. For the Laysan albatross, the dance has 24 separate, complex steps, and it takes years for males to learn them all, Tyler said. And until the young males can master the choreography, they won't find a mate, he said. The females can afford to be picky, so if a male's sequence of honks, whistles, wiggles and neck thrusts doesn't impress her, she'll just move on to the next suitor. 

But once a pair does form, the "divorce rate" of albatrosses is among the lowest in the animal kingdom, and because albatrosses are so long-lived, these pairs can persist for decades. For this reason, it's been posited that albatrosses are the "most romantic" bird. But that human characterization ignores some key facts about albatrosses, Tyler said.

An albatross mating pair only sees each other a few days a year, when they meet at their breeding grounds. After a few days of catching up, the pair takes turns incubating the egg; one stays behind while the other forages for food. After about 90 days, and when the chick is big enough, the mating pair go their separate ways for the rest of the year, according to the Cornell Lab’s All About Birds .

Related: Adorable photos of baby shorebirds

Although they mate for life, albatross pairs aren't exclusive. Casual sex between non-paired birds, and even forced copulation, is not uncommon, the New York Times reported in 2010 . A 2006 study published in the journal IBIS found that out of 75 wandering albatross couples, about eight had chicks that weren't fathered by their mother's primary mate.

And in many albatross species, female-female pairs are quite common (so far, male-male pairs haven't been reported), as Live Science has previously reported . Those females rely on "cheating" paired males or unpaired males to fertilize their eggs, and then the two females raise a clutch of two eggs together, without a male's involvement, the Times reported. Laysan albatross males and females look virtually identical, so unless you were specifically looking for evidence of same-sex pairs, you'd likely miss them, the Times said — and it's likely that many other species of birds, especially if there aren't enough males to go around, form similar pair bonds, Tyler said.

Threats to albatrosses

All but one species of albatross are either threatened, endangered or likely to become so, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature . The biggest threats are invasive species at the birds' nesting grounds, and fishing vessels, which unintentionally snare birds when they're pursuing tuna and other commercial fish, Angel said.

Many of the world's albatrosses nest on islands that were once used as whaling vessel stopovers, Angel explained. With the human ships came cats and rats and mice. Gough Island in the South Atlantic, for example, is one of the most important seabird colonies, home to 24 different species of birds and multiple types of albatross. But the colony is gruesomely preyed upon by invasive mice that have evolved to be a much larger than normal size without the presence of predators, Hakai magazine reported . 

Perhaps because they have no other predators that would attack them this way, Albatross have not evolved a way to defend themselves against a mouse attack, and so some of the adults sit motionless, letting "the mice nibble on their flesh while they steadfastly incubate their egg." On a number of important bird islands, conservationists are launching aggressive mouse-eradication programs to attempt to save the remaining birds, National Geographic reported .

Related: In photos: Mice brutally attack and devour albatross on Gough Island

At sea, albatrosses face a different threat: fishing vessels. Albatrosses are pretty good at detecting fishing vessels — so good that researchers think the birds, outfitted with tiny radar detectors, could be used to find boats operating illegally, The New York Times reported. 

Large fishing vessels have onboard processing facilities where fish heads and tails and guts are removed and dumped back into the sea, which attracts all sorts of seabirds. "It is a seabird spectacle," Angel said. But as the trawler is dumping fish guts, it's simultaneously dropping the giant fishing net back into the ocean for the next catch. Seabirds, including albatrosses, get entangled in the net cables and dragged under water, then drown. And longline fishing boats, in which a 30-mile-long (48 kilometer) floating fishing line is set with hundreds of baited hooks, also attract seabirds which see the enticing meal from the surface, but get caught on the hooks and drown. 

BirdLife South Africa has reduced albatross deaths in the local trawl fishery by 99% by simply encouraging boats to use bird-scaring streamers and shifting the time that the boats dump out the fish waste to after the net is set. But worldwide there's still much more work to be done when it comes to encouraging commercial fishers to practice more seabird-friendly fishing techniques.

Additional resources:

• Learn more about the relationship between birds and humans on Midway Atoll with this feature from American Bird Conservancy
• Watch a Laysan albatross perform its complicated (and comical) mating dance .
• View not-quite-live-cam shots of albatrosses on Bird Island near the Antarctic Circle on BirdLife International’s Facebook page .

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Rachel is a writer and editor based in Washington, D.C., who covers a range of topics for Live Science, from animals and global warming to technology and human behavior. Rachel also contributes to National Geographic News, Smithsonian Magazine and Scientific American, and she is currently a senior editor at Next City, a national urban affairs magazine. She has an English degree with a journalism concentration from Adelphi University in New York.

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Wandering Albatross

The wandering albatross is a large seabird that can be found throughout the world’s oceans. These magnificent creatures are known for their impressive wingspans, which can reach up to 11 feet wide. Wandering albatrosses are also recognized for their gentle nature and graceful movements. In this blog post, we will discuss some interesting facts about these amazing birds . We’ll also take a closer look at the habitat and behavior of the wandering albatross. So, if you’re interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures, keep reading!

Wandering Albatross Description

Wandering Albatrosses are the largest of all the albatrosses . They are mostly white, with black Wingtips and a yellow bill . Wandering Albatrosses can be found in the Southern Ocean, where they spend most of their time flying in search of food. They are excellent flyers , and can stay in the air for hours at a time without flapping their wings. When they do land, it is usually on an iceberg or another floating object. Wandering Albatrosses mate for life , and pairs will often perform elaborate courtship rituals before nesting. These rituals can involve calling to each other, bowing, and preening each other’s feathers. Once a pair has bonded, they will return to the same nesting site year after year. Wandering Albatrosses typically lay two eggs at a time , but only one chick will survive to fledge. The chicks are born downy and white, and grow quickly on a diet of regurgitated food from their parents. Wandering Albatrosses are fascinating birds, and their long wingspans make them a sight to behold in flight.

Wandering Albatross Habitat

Wandering Albatross habitat Wandering albatrosses are the largest flying birds in the world. These magnificent birds are typically found in the Southern Ocean , where they breed on remote island groups such as the Falkland Islands , South Georgia , and the Crozet Archipelago . While Wandering albatrosses spend most of their time at sea, they do come ashore to nest. Their nest sites are typically located on slopes or ridges near the ocean, where they can take advantage of the wind to help them takeoff and land. Wandering albatrosses typically lay one egg per breeding season, which is incubated by both parents for around 80 days. Once the chick hatches, it will remain in the nest for up to nine months before taking its first flight. Wandering albatrosses can live for over 60 years, and they play an important role in the marine ecosystem by scavenging for carrion and helping to disperse nutrients around the ocean.

Wandering Albatross Diet

Wandering Albatrosses feed on squid , fish and krill . They have sharp beaks that they use to catch their prey. Wandering Albatrosses usually eat whatever is most abundant at the time. They sometimes follow ships to scavenge food scraps. Wandering Albatrosses mate for life and lay one egg per year. The chicks are born on remote islands and stay with their parents for up to two years before setting out to find a mate of their own.

Wandering Albatross Size

Wandering Albatrosses are the largest flying birds in the world , with a wingspan that can reach up to 11 feet . Wandering Albatrosses are found in the southern oceans near Antarctica and on isolated islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These birds spend most of their time at sea, only coming ashore to breed. Wandering Albatrosses are pelagic birds, meaning that they live and feed far out at sea. Their diet consists mainly of squid and fish, which they capture by swooping down on their prey from a great height. Wandering Albatrosses are truly remarkable birds, and their enormous size is just one of the many things that make them so special.

Wandering Albatross Lifespan

Wandering Albatrosses are one of the longest-lived bird species , with a lifespan of up to 50 years . However, their life expectancy is reduced in captivity , with birds in zoos and aviaries typically only living for 20-30 years . In the wild, Wandering Albatrosses face a number of threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and predation by introduced species. As a result of these threats, Wandering Albatross populations have declined in recent years. Despite these challenges, Wandering Albatrosses continue to captivate audiences with their impressive wingspan and their elegant flying style. These birds are truly amazing creatures, and it is hoped that their populations will recover in the future.

Wandering Albatross Behavior

Wandering albatrosses breed on remote islands in the Southern Ocean , and they spend most of their lives at sea, only coming ashore to breed. These birds are highly nomadic , and they often travel thousands of miles in search of food. Wandering albatrosses typically eat squid and fish, but they have also been known to scavenge carrion from ships. Their long wings allow them to glide for hours on wind currents, and they are adept at riding these currents to find food. Wandering albatrosses mate for life, and they typically lay two eggs per breeding season. The chicks are born blind and helpless, and it takes them several months to learn how to fly. Once they fledge, wandering albatrosses do not return to land until they are ready to breed themselves. These birds have an incredibly long lifespan, with some individuals living for over 50 years.

Wandering Albatross Speed

Wandering Albatrosses are one of the fastest, capable of flying at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour . Wandering Albatrosses use their speed to help them cover large distances in search of food. Their long wings also help them to glide for long periods of time without having to flap their wings, allowing them to conserve energy while they fly. The Wandering Albatross is the fastest member of the albatross family and one of the fastest birds in flight.

Wandering Albatross Hunting

One of the most fascinating – and concerning – things about Wandering Albatrosses is their hunting strategy . Essentially, they will follow boats and ships in order to scavenge food, which can often lead to them being accidentally caught in fishing lines or other equipment. In fact, Wandering Albatrosses are thought to be one of the most heavily affected bird species when it comes to fisheries bycatch. Hunting these magnificent birds is having a significant impact on global populations, and something needs to be done in order to protect them. For this reason, a number of organizations are working hard to raise awareness of the issue and find ways to reduce bycatch. Hopefully, by working together we can ensure that Wandering Albatrosses are around for future generations to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Question

What is a Wandering Albatross?

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Wandering Albatross

Diomedea exulans.

The snowy albatross, also known as the white-winged albatross or goonie, is a majestic seabird belonging to the Diomedeidae family. It is recognized for its impressive wingspan, which is the largest of any living bird, and its predominantly white plumage that becomes whiter with age. The snowy albatross is distinguished by its large pink bill and feet, and the males exhibit whiter wings than females.

Identification Tips

Adult snowy albatrosses have white bodies contrasted with black and white wings. The wings of males are predominantly white, with only the tips and trailing edges presenting as black. This species is the whitest within its complex, with others showing more brown and black on the wings and body. A salt gland above their nasal passage helps them excrete excess salt due to their oceanic diet.

The snowy albatross boasts a wingspan that can exceed 3.5 meters (11 feet), with an average span of around 3.1 meters (10 feet 2 inches). Body length ranges from 107 to 135 cm (3 feet 6 inches to 4 feet 5 inches), with females being slightly smaller than males. Adults typically weigh between 5.9 to 12.7 kg (13 to 28 lb).

Distribution and Habitat

This bird has a circumpolar range in the Southern Ocean and breeds on islands such as South Georgia, Crozet, Kerguelen, Prince Edward, and Macquarie. It is also seen feeding year-round off the coast of New Zealand and is known for its extensive flights, sometimes circumnavigating the Southern Ocean three times in a year.

The snowy albatross is a far-ranging bird, spending most of its life in flight and landing only to breed and feed. It is capable of gliding for hours without flapping its wings, thanks to its large wingspan.

Song & Calls

During courtship, snowy albatrosses engage in a variety of displays, including spreading their wings, head-waving, bill-rapping, and producing a range of vocalizations from screams and whistles to grunts and bill clapping.

Snowy albatrosses are monogamous, often mating for life, and breed biennially. They lay a single white egg with a few spots in a large grassy nest. Incubation takes about 11 weeks, with both parents sharing the responsibility. The chicks are nurtured by both parents, who take turns foraging for food.

Similar Species

The snowy albatross is part of the wandering albatross species complex, which includes the Tristan albatross and the Antipodean albatross. It can be distinguished from its relatives by its whiter plumage and larger size.

Diet and Feeding

These birds feed on cephalopods, small fish, and crustaceans, often foraging further out in the open ocean than other albatross species. They are known to follow ships and can make shallow dives to capture their prey.

Conservation Status

The IUCN lists the snowy albatross as vulnerable. Threats include longline fishing and pollution. Conservation measures have been implemented in some regions to reduce bycatch and protect their breeding grounds.

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More albatrosses, amsterdam albatross, antipodean albatross, tristan albatross, southern royal albatross, northern royal albatross, short-tailed albatross, laysan albatross, waved albatross, black-footed albatross, sooty albatross, light-mantled albatross, buller's albatross, indian yellow-nosed albatross, shy albatross, atlantic yellow-nosed albatross, grey-headed albatross, chatham albatross, campbell albatross, black-browed albatross, salvin's albatross, your birdwatching journey like never before, connect with nature in minutes, discover the joy of birding, play your part in saving nature.

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Wandering albatross | Toroa

Diomedea exulans linnaeus, 1758.

Order: Procellariiformes

Family: Diomedeidae

New Zealand status: Native

Conservation status: Migrant

Other names: snowy albatross

Geographical variation: Nil

Wandering albatross | Toroa. Adult in flight. South Georgia, February 2019. Image © Glenn Pure 2019 birdlifephotography.org.au by Glenn Pure

• Species Information
• Breeding and ecology

Wandering albatrosses are among the largest birds in the New Zealand marine area, surpassed only slightly by the southern royal albatross for size. Together, these are the largest of the great albatrosses, of which four species occur in New Zealand waters. The wandering albatross is most similar to the slightly smaller and darker Antipodean albatross, and the two are often lumped together as one species under the wandering albatross name. Here we use wandering albatross to refer only to the larger form that does not breed in the New Zealand region (other than a few pairs on Macquarie Island).

Great albatrosses have an impressive wingspan and slow gliding flight, which distinguishes them from other smaller groups (e.g. gulls and mollymawks). They are normally found offshore, but can be seen in southern New Zealand waters and northwards to Cook Strait, and in lower numbers further north. Care is needed to separate wandering and Antipodean albatrosses, as their plumage markings overlap almost completely. The most reliable distinguishing characteristics are the larger size, and especially the larger bill of the true wanderer.

Identification

The adult wandering albatross is a very large white bird with variable amounts of black on the enormous (3 m wingspan) wings and a pinkish-salmon coloured bill. Some adults have a pinkish stain behind the ears. The wandering albatross has numerous, graduated plumage phases, from chocolate brown juveniles with white faces and underwings through to mature males that are pure white apart from their black wing tips and trailing edge to the wing. At close range, even the whitest birds usually have fine dark vermiculations on their body feathers (not present in the royal albatrosses). Most wandering albatrosses (and Antipodean albatrosses) have upper wings that are either completely dark or have a large white patch in the centre of the inner wing that expands as the bird gets older. All but the whitest colour variations of wandering albatross are also seen in the Antipodean albatross, which is slightly smaller with a smaller bill, most apparent if the birds settle on the water together.

Voice: wandering albatrosses are mainly silent at sea. At breeding grounds they give a high-pitched trumpeting call, and also groans, rattles, and ‘puck’ sounds.

Similar species: the two royal albatross species are bulkier birds with a hunch-backed look in flight, and a fine dark cutting edge to the upper mandible (this can be difficult to see in flying birds). Royal albatrosses are much whiter birds, and (except for juvenile northern royal albatrosses) rarely have dark feathers anywhere other than the upperwings, which tend to whiten from the leading edge back, looking like the bird has flown through a bag of flour (cf. wandering and Antipodean albatrosses whitening from the centre of the wing outwards). Antipodean albatrosses (including Gibson’s albatross) never get as white as the whitest wandering albatrosses, and usually have at least a dark skull cap. Other than mature ‘snowy’ male wandering albatrosses, the two species can only be separated by size, with Antipodean albatross smaller with a shorter and less robust bill. Extra-limital Tristan albatross and Amsterdam albatross have the same plumage states as Antipodean albatross, though Amsterdam albatross has a dark cutting edge to the upper mandible.

Distribution and habitat

Wandering albatrosses breed on South Georgia and on Crozet, Kerguelen, Marion, Prince Edward, Heard and Macquarie Islands, and range throughout the Southern Ocean in latitudes from Antarctic to subtropical waters. Non-breeding birds from the Crozet Islands (and to a lesser extent other populations) frequent New Zealand waters. Non-breeding birds from the Crozet Islands (breeders in their sabbatical year, and pre-breeding birds) may spend extensive periods in the deep waters in both the Tasman Sea and the eastern waters of New Zealand from the subantarctic to latitudes around East Cape.

Wandering albatrosses breed outside of the New Zealand region, in the southern Indian and Atlantic Oceans and at Macquarie Island south-west of New Zealand. A global population of c. 8050 breeds biannually.

Threats and conservation

Threats to wandering albatrosses at breeding sites are few, as they breed mainly on sites with few or no predators. Threats in the marine environment consist principally of fisheries interactions, with population decreases linked to fishing mortality, particularly in longline fisheries. Recent studies have shown strong life-history consequences of inter-decadal changes in wind patterns, with stronger winds in the southern latitudes leading to reduced effort required for foraging by breeding birds, and positive population consequences.

Breeding occurs only outside of New Zealand and begins in the Austral spring, continuing for 8-10 months, depending on the site. Wandering albatrosses breed as monogamous pairs no more than once every two years, and have long-term pair bonds. The single large egg is laid in December or early January and is incubated by the parents in alternating shifts for about 11 weeks, with most hatching in March. The chick takes another 7-9 months to fledge; as the full breeding cycle takes 10-12 months, the adults then take a sabbatical year to complete their moult before attempting to breed again. Immature birds return to colonies when 6-10 years old, and typically do not start breeding until 11-15 years old.

Behaviour and ecology

Wandering albatrosses are solitary at sea, though may feed in flocks in association with fishing vessels.

The wandering albatross is essentially a scavenger, feeding on squid (especially) and marine fishes, and mainly within a few metres of the surface. Most prey is captured by surface seizing.

BirdLife factsheet

Do albatrosses have personalities?  Te Papa Channel

ACAP 2012. Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. ACAP Species assessment: wandering albatross Diomedea exulans .

del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A.; Sargatal, J (eds) 1992. Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 1, ostrich to ducks. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.

Marchant, S.; Higgins, P.J. (eds) 1990 . Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic birds . Vol.1, ratites to ducks. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Onley, D.; Scofield, P. 2007. Albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters of the world . Helm Field Guide, Princeton University Press.

Rolland, V.; Weimerskirch, H.; Barbraud, C. 2010. Relative influence of fisheries and climate on the demography of four albatross species . Global Change Biology 16 : 1910-1922

Tuck, G.; Polacheck, T.; Croxall, J.P.; Weimerskirch, H. 2001. Modelling the impact of fisheries by-catches on albatross populations . Journal of Applied Ecology 38 : 1182-1196.

Weimerskirch, H.; Brothers, N.; Jouventin, P. 1997. Population dynamics of wandering albatross Diomedea exulans and Amsterdam albatross D . amsterdamensis in the Indian Ocean and their relationships with long-line fisheries: conservation implications . Biological Conservation 79 : 257-270.

Recommended citation

Waugh, S.M. 2013 [updated 2022]. Wandering albatross | Toroa. In Miskelly, C.M. (ed.) New Zealand Birds Online . www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz

Length: 120 cm

Weight: 8 - 10 kg

Similar species: Antipodean albatross | Toroa , Southern royal albatross | Toroa , Northern royal albatross | Toroa

A very large white albatross with variable amounts of black on the wings, fine dark vermiculations on body feathers, very large pinkish-salmon bill, and in some adults a pinkish stain behind the ears. There are many graduated plumage phases from chocolate brown juveniles with white faces and underwings to pure white mature males with black wing tips and trailing edge to the wing.

  Calls from pair at nest, with bill clapping

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Albatrosses

An albatross aloft can be a spectacular sight. These feathered giants have the longest wingspan of any bird—up to 11 feet! The wandering albatross is the biggest of some two dozen different species. Albatrosses use their formidable wingspans to ride the ocean winds and sometimes to glide for hours without rest or even a flap of their wings. They also float on the sea's surface, though the position makes them vulnerable to aquatic predators. Albatrosses drink salt water, as do some other sea birds.

These long-lived birds have reached a documented 50 years of age. They are rarely seen on land and gather only to breed, at which time they form large colonies on remote islands. Mating pairs produce a single egg and take turns caring for it. Young albatrosses may fly within three to ten months, depending on the species, but then leave the land behind for some five to ten years until they themselves reach sexual maturity. Some species appear to mate for life.

Albatrosses feed primarily on squid or schooling fish, but are familiar to mariners because they sometimes follow ships in hopes of dining on handouts or garbage. Albatrosses have a special place in maritime lore and superstition, most memorably evoked in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner .

Relationship with Humans

Some albatross species were heavily hunted for feathers that were used as down and in the manufacture of women's hats. The Laysan albatross was important to the indigenous hunters of the northern seas. Excavations of Aleut and Eskimo settlements reveal many albatross bones and suggest that the birds were an important part of human diet in the region.

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Albatross: Characteristics, Diet, Facts & More [Fact Sheet]

Albatrosses, known for their immense wingspans and long-distance flights, are one of the most iconic bird species inhabiting the Earth’s polar regions. Their graceful gliding and soaring flight patterns have fascinated humans for centuries.

These birds are truly maritime, spending most of their lives at sea, touching land only to breed and raise their young.

This article delves into the fascinating world of albatrosses, revealing intriguing facts about their lifestyle, behavior, and conservation status.

The Albatross at a Glance

Classification, essential information, species and subspecies.

Albatrosses are divided into 13 species across four genera:

• Diomedea (great albatrosses)
• Thalassarche (mollymawks)
• Phoebastria (North Pacific albatrosses)
• Phoebetria (sooty albatrosses)

The great albatrosses, including the wandering albatross and royal albatross, have the largest wingspans, reaching up to 11 feet. Mollymawks are medium-sized albatrosses and include species like the grey-headed albatross and black-browed albatross.

The North Pacific albatrosses, including the waved albatross and short-tailed albatross, are found in the Northern Hemisphere. The sooty albatrosses, as the name suggests, have a dark or sooty coloration.

Description

Albatrosses are large seabirds known for their long, narrow wings, hooked bills, and webbed feet. Their wings are adapted for dynamic soaring, a flight technique that enables them to travel vast distances with minimal effort.

Adult albatrosses are predominantly white, with varying degrees of black or dark grey on their wings and back. The bill color varies by species, ranging from pale yellow to bright orange.

Both sexes are similar in appearance, although males may be slightly larger in some species.

Habitat and Distribution

Albatrosses are pelagic birds, meaning they spend most of their lives out at sea. They favor the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean.

Albatrosses only come to land to breed and nest, favoring remote, windswept islands free from land predators. The exact distribution range varies by species, with some traveling extensively between the polar and tropical regions.

Albatrosses are diurnal birds, active during the day when their primary food sources are more readily available. However, some species, particularly those that feed on squid, also forage at night.

They are solitary when out at sea but breed in large, densely packed colonies on land. Albatrosses communicate using a variety of complex visual and auditory signals.

During courtship, they perform elaborate mating dances involving synchronized movements and calls. These dances can also include bill-clacking, head-nodding, and sky-pointing, among other moves.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Albatrosses are carnivores, and their diet is mainly composed of fish, squid, and krill, although they are also known to consume other marine invertebrates and carrion.

They locate their prey from the air, often following ships or large marine mammals to feed on the leftovers they leave behind. Once they spot their prey, albatrosses plunge into the water from the air or surface-seize their food. Albatrosses can also consume food from the water’s surface while floating.

Adult albatrosses have few natural predators at sea due to their large size. However, their eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predation on land. Natural predators vary by location and species but can include skuas, caracaras, rats, cats, and foxes.

In some cases, other larger bird species, such as petrels and eagles, may predate on young albatrosses. Predation risk is one of the reasons albatrosses prefer to breed on remote, predator-free islands.

Human activities, such as overfishing and climate change, also pose significant threats to albatross populations.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Albatrosses are known for their long-term monogamous relationships, often remaining with one partner for life. Courtship involves elaborate dances, and the bond between the pair strengthens over the years. Breeding frequency depends on the species, with some breeding every year and others breeding every two years.

The female typically lays a single egg, and both parents share the responsibility of incubating it. The incubation period varies among species, but it is typically around two months.

Once hatched, chicks are semi-altricial, meaning they are born in an undeveloped state but are still able to move around. Both parents take turns feeding the chick until it fledges, a process that can take up to 9 months, making it one of the longest periods for any bird species.

Once fledged, the young albatross spends several years at sea before returning to its natal colony to find a mate and breed.

Conservation and Threats

The IUCN Red List categorizes several albatross species as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable due to their declining population trend. The primary threats to albatross populations include longline and trawl fishing, where birds get caught on hooks and drown, invasive species at breeding colonies, plastic pollution, and climate change.

Several conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve these majestic birds. These include fishing modifications to prevent bycatch, eradication of invasive species at breeding sites, and ongoing monitoring and research.

For example, the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) is an international agreement that includes measures to mitigate threats to albatrosses and petrels, particularly bycatch in fisheries.

The public can help these efforts by supporting seabird-friendly seafood choices, reducing the use of plastics, and supporting conservation organizations.

• Albatrosses possess the largest wingspan of any living bird, with some individuals of the wandering albatross species reaching up to 11 feet (3.4 meters).
• They are known for their extraordinary flying abilities, often gliding for hours without flapping their wings, using dynamic soaring techniques to take advantage of wind currents.
• The lifespan of an albatross is among the longest in birds. They can live for over 50 years in the wild. The oldest known wild bird in the world is a Laysan albatross named Wisdom, who is over 70 years old.
• Albatrosses have a unique system of facial tubes around their bill that excretes high salt concentrations from their diet, allowing them to drink seawater.
• Most species of albatross perform intricate and synchronized mating dances, which include bill clacking, sky pointing, and wing displays. This dance helps them choose a mate with whom they often stay for life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The long wings of the albatross are an adaptation for dynamic soaring, a flight method that minimizes energy use. They exploit the vertical gradient of wind speed near the ocean surface to travel long distances without needing to frequently flap their wings.

Albatrosses can sleep while flying! They have the ability to use one hemisphere of their brain for sleep while the other half remains alert to control flight and look out for predators.

Albatrosses are carnivorous and have a diet mainly consisting of squid, fish, and krill. They often scavenge the ocean surface, but they are also capable of diving underwater to catch prey.

Yes, most albatrosses are monogamous and will stay with the same partner for life. They perform an elaborate courtship dance which strengthens their bond.

The primary threats to albatrosses are longline and trawl fishing, invasive species, plastic pollution, and climate change. These factors have caused many albatross species to become endangered or critically endangered.

Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. On a mission to witness the planet's natural beauty and diversity, he shares his experiences on this website through articles, videos, and photography, including interactive virtual tours.

Fascinated by animals and plants since young, he is also fond of outdoor and so-called extreme sports, often discovered while traveling and practiced back at home where he focuses on improving his knowledge and skills - so he can explore further on the next trip!

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Wandering Albatross Facts – Wandering Albatross Habitat & Diet Facts

The wandering albatrosses are also known for widespread variations in their sounds; at times they produce grunts, screams or sounds of bill clapping. These birds have a distinctive way of demonstrating their courting; wandering albatross wave its head or clap its bill whilst courting. They can survive up to 50 years.

Wandering Albatross Facts

• The average length of a wingspan ranges from 2-51 to 3-50 m (8-2 to 11-5 feet) .
• The largest wingspan measures at 3-7 m (12 feet), 4-22 m (13.8 feet) and 5-3 m (17 feet).
• Since it has the longest wingspan amongst all the avian creatures, it can travel 22 m for every meter of drop.
• The length of the wandering albatross is 107 to 135 m (3.51 to 4-43 feet).
• The males are greater as compared to females.
• The average weight of these birds is around 5.9 to 12.7 kg (13 to 28 lb) .
• The maximum weight recorded is about 16.1 kg (35 lb).
• The color of the chicks is brown which is quite different when they grow up.
• The plumage of an adult is white in color.
• Amongst all the albatross species, the wandering albatross is considered to be the whitish bird.
• The legs and beak are pink in color.
• The maximum age of wandering albatross is 50 years.

Wandering Albatross Habitat Facts

• Wandering albatross spends most of their time on flying.
• Naturalists maintain that it’s not an easy task to measure how much distance wandering albatross covers; however, a rough estimate is that it travels 6000 km in just 12 days.

Wandering Albatross Breeding Facts

• They are the monogamous birds and they make partners for a lifetime.
• They breed after every 2 years .
• One of the common places where these birds usually breed is sub antarctic islands.
• The breeding period begins from November.
• They usually build nests near water.
• Both males and females go out for hunting in search of foodstuff for their chicks.

What do albatross eat?

• These birds typically feed when the night falls.
• Their diet includes small fish, crustaceans, and cephalapods.
• At times they eat so much so that it becomes impossible for them to take a flight.
• These birds are capable to make shallow dive.
• Squid, octopus, and cuttlefish also make most of the diet.

Reproduction Facts of Wandering Albatross

• The females lay only 1 egg in the breeding season.
• The eggs are not pure white rather they have few spots.
• The length of the eggs measures about 10 cm (3-9 in) .
• December and January are the two months when females lay most of the eggs.
• The period of incubation (keeping warm) lasts for 10 weeks.
• Both Males and females contribute to the incubation process.
• Adults usually return to their colonies after 5 to 6 years.
• These birds cover 64.7 million sq. kilometers around the globe.
• The breeding range encompasses 1,900 sq. kilometers.
• Islands including Georgia islands, South island, Marion Island, and Prince Edward Island are few of the most common places where these birds are the frequent visitors.
• The average lifespan is 10 – 15 years.

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8 Amazing Facts About Albatrosses

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An albatross is a large, magnificent seabird capable of soaring incredible distances without rest. Long viewed with superstitious awe by sailors, they spend most of their time gliding over the open ocean. Most people around the world rarely get a glimpse of these unique birds because even when they do visit dry land, it's often only to breed on remote islands before going back out to sea. Despite the distance they've managed to maintain from people, however, most albatross species are now threatened with extinction due to human activities.

In hopes of raising their profile and illustrating why we're lucky to share the planet with them, here are a few things you may not know about the amazing albatross.

• Common Name: Albatross
• Scientific Name: Diomedeidae
• Average Lifespan in the Wild: 30 years
• IUCN Red List Status: 2 critically endangered, 7 endangered, 6 vulnerable, 6 near threatened, 1 of least concern
• Current Population: Black-browed albatross: 1,400,000 ; Wandering albatross: 20,100 ; Tristan albatross: 3,400 to 4,800

1. One Albatross Has the Largest Wingspan of Any Living Bird

The wingspan of a wandering albatross ( Diomedea exulans ) measures up to 12 feet across, which makes it the largest extant bird on Earth in terms of wingspan. This helps the wandering albatross soar 500 miles in a day and maintain speeds of nearly 80 mph for eight hours straight without even having to flap its wings.

Part of the secret is locking elbow joints, which enable the bird to keep its wings extended for long periods at no energy cost from its muscles. Additionally, the birds have mastered dynamic soaring, which involves flying along a continually curving path in a way that extracts energy from the gradient of wind velocity, or wind shear. And because albatrosses inhabit areas of the world with reliably strong winds, dynamic soaring provides access to "an unlimited external energy source," one study said.

Engineers have long tried to mimic the albatross' impressive flying abilities with aircraft.

2. They Can Go Years Without Touching Land

Mike Hill / Getty Images

Once they fledge, albatrosses may spend a year or more at sea without setting foot on land, most of which is spent flying. Touching down in the water puts them at risk of shark attacks, so they touch down only briefly to feed. It's widely believed that albatrosses must be able to sleep while flying. Evidence of that behavior is still lacking, but it has been documented in the closely related frigate.

3. They Can Live and Raise Chicks Into Their 60s

USFWS - Pacific Region / Flickr / Public Domain

All albatrosses are long-lived birds that can survive for many decades. Some live well beyond 50. The best-known example comes from a Laysan albatross ( Phoebastria immutabilis ) named Wisdom, who was first banded by scientists in 1956 at Midway Atoll.

Wisdom continued returning to Midway for more than half a century, raising some three dozen chicks. In 2021, Wisdom turned 70 and was still breeding, making her one of the oldest known breeding birds .

4. They Mate for Life (With Some Wiggle Room)

Albatrosses mate for life . They form a long-term bond with one partner and are often said to have the lowest "divorce rate" of any bird; mated pairs virtually never split up until one dies.

These pair bonds don't necessarily adhere to the human definition of romance. Albatross pairs spend limited time together, meeting up only briefly at their breeding grounds until their egg is laid. Then, they take turns incubating the egg and foraging for food. Eventually, both birds must search for food to keep their growing chick fed.

Once their chick fledges after 165 days, the pair separates for the rest of the year, reuniting only when it's time to breed again. They are socially monogamous, which means they bond with a single partner but sometimes breed outside that relationship.

5. They Court Each Other With Elaborate Mating Dances

Enrique Aguirre Aves / Getty Images

Because choosing a partner is such a momentous decision for albatrosses, they need a good system for identifying top candidates. They court each other with elaborate mating dances that develop over time and eventually become unique to each pair.

The wandering albatross has at least 22 distinct dance components. Their moves include head rolls, bill snaps, sky points, bowing, yammering, and yapping. The Laysan albatross' two dozen moves include whinnies, head flicks, bill claps, air snaps, stares, and sky calls. These components are combined into a sequence that's unique for each couple.

6. They Can Smell Food In the Water From 12 Miles Away

For more than 100 years, birds were believed to have little or no sense of smell—an idea put forth even by famed naturalist and bird artist John J. Audubon. Now we know that birds can not only smell but that scent seems to be a crucial part of the way many seabirds find their food.

Yet even for strong-nosed seabirds, following a scent trail on the open ocean isn't easy. Their food may send plenty of pungent clues downwind, but air turbulence at sea chops up the odor plume, creating spotty patches of scent that are hard to follow. According to a 2008 study, in which researchers fitted 19 wandering albatrosses with GPS sensors, the birds often approached food by flying upwind in a zigzag pattern, which seems to improve their chances of tracing an intermittent odor plume back to the source.

Sight is important, too, the researchers noted, but smell may contribute to as many as half of the albatross' in-flight food discoveries, which can be made from as far away as 12 miles.

7. Some Albatrosses Form Female-Female Pairs

dsischo / Getty Images

Female Laysan albatrosses sometimes pair with other females. This phenomenon is especially prevalent on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where the breeding colony is predominantly female and 31% of all mated pairs consist of two females.   These female-female pairs raise chicks together after their eggs are fertilized by either unpaired males or via extra-pair copulation with already-paired males.

Female-female pairs fledge fewer chicks than female-male pairs do, but it is a better option evolutionarily than not breeding at all, researchers noted in a 2008 study.   And since pairing with another female allows birds to reproduce who might not otherwise have had the opportunity, the behavior seems to be an adaptive response to local demographics.

8. They Are at Risk of Extinction

Of the 22 albatross species recognized by the IUCN, 15 are threatened with extinction, and nine species are listed as either endangered or critically endangered (including the wandering royal albatross and the Tristan albatross).

Many albatrosses are dying at sea, fatally ensnared by fishing lines and nets, but many are also dying as eggs and chicks at their breeding grounds due to the presence of invasive predators like cats and rats. Ocean plastic also poses a growing threat to albatrosses , with chicks sometimes fed a dangerous mix of plastic debris by their unwitting parents.

While it's true that an albatross can go years without ever touching land, the birds do sometimes rest on the water. They generally avoid resting for too long in the water, though, because of the risk of sharks.

Although they look similar, and both are considered seabirds, albatrosses and seagulls are not related. The albatross is a member of the family Diomedeidae , the seagull belongs to Laridae . The former is a carnivore and the latter an omnivore. Albatrosses are also much bigger.

Albatrosses can be found in the Southern Ocean and North Pacific. They prefer Antarctic, sub-Antarctic, and subtropical waters. They primarily occur in the Southern Hemisphere with a few exceptions, such as Hawaii's population.

Save the Albatross

• Make sure the seafood you buy is sustainable. Groups like the Marine Stewardship Council and Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch offer information making it easier to buy fish caught with bycatch-free and seabird-safe methods.
• Because ocean plastic can originate from virtually anywhere, you can support albatross conservation simply by using less plastic and recycling whatever you do use.

" Albatrosses ." IUCN Red List .

BirdLife International. " Thalassarche melanophris ."  The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018: e.T22698375A132643647. Accessed on 08 July 2022.

BirdLife International. " Diomedea exulans ."  The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018: e.T22698305A132640680. Accessed on 08 July 2022.

BirdLife International. " Diomedea dabbenena ."  The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species  2018: e.T22728364A132657527. Accessed on 08 July 2022.

" Largest wingspan for a bird species (living )." Guinness World Records .

Sachs, G., et al. " Experimental Verification Of Dynamic Soaring In Albatrosses ." Journal Of Experimental Biology , vol. 216, no. 22, 2013, pp. 4222-4232, doi:10.1242/jeb.085209

Rattenborg, Niels C., et al. " Evidence That Birds Sleep In Mid-Flight. "  Nature Communications , vol. 7, no. 1, 2016, doi:10.1038/ncomms12468

Pickering, and S.P.C & S.D Berrow. " Courtship Behaviour Of The Wandering Albatross Diomedea Exulans At Bird Island, South Georgia. " Marine Ornithology , vol. 29, no. 1, 2001, pp. 29-37.

Averett, Nancy. " Birds Can Smell, And One Scientist Is Leading The Charge To Prove It ." Audubon , 2014.

Madin, Kate. " Seabirds Use Their Sense Of Smell To Find Food. " Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution .

Nevitt, G. A., et al. " Evidence For Olfactory Search In Wandering Albatross, Diomedea Exulans ."  Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences , vol. 105, no. 12, 2008, pp. 4576-4581, doi:10.1073/pnas.0709047105

Young, Lindsay C., et al. " Successful Same-Sex Pairing In Laysan Albatross ." Biology Letters , vol. 4, no. 4, 2008, pp. 323-325,  The Royal Society , doi:10.1098/rsbl.2008.0191

Young, Lindsay C., and Eric A. VanderWerf. " Adaptive Value Of Same-Sex Pairing In Laysan Albatross ." Proceedings Of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences , vol. 281, no. 1775, 2014, p. 2013-2473, doi:10.1098/rspb.2013.2473

" Diomedea Sanfordi: Birdlife International ." 2018.  IUCN.

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Nature of Home

The World’s 11 Largest Flying Birds: Majestic, Endangered & Making a Comeback

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

Imagine looking up to see a bird with a wingspan wider than a car is long. Such grandeur isn’t just in storybooks; it’s real and flying in our skies. We’re about to take you on a journey through the realm of the 11 largest flying birds in the world.

From the awe-inspiring wingspan of the wandering albatross to the formidable size of the Andean condor, these avian giants are a sight to behold. Discover their unique characteristics and learn about the crucial conservation efforts that help ensure these majestic creatures continue to soar above us.

1. Wandering Albatross

The wandering albatross holds the record for the largest wingspan of any living bird, reaching up to 11.5 feet (3.5 meters). These majestic seabirds spend most of their lives soaring over the open ocean, only returning to land to breed. Despite their incredible size, they are facing threats from bycatch in fishing operations.

Recent tracking studies have revealed just how far these birds can travel. In 2023, scientists reported that a tagged wandering albatross flew an astounding 15,000 miles in just 28 days during its winter migration[1][4]. Such findings highlight the incredible endurance of these birds and the vast distances they cover.

2. Southern Royal Albatross

The southern royal albatross is another contender for the title of largest flying bird, with a wingspan that can reach up to 10.8 feet (3.3 meters). These birds are found in the Southern Ocean and are known for their elaborate courtship rituals.

Like the wandering albatross, they face threats from climate change and limited breeding ranges.

3. Andean Condor

The Andean condor is the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere, with a wingspan of up to 10.8 feet (3.3 meters). These massive vultures are found in the Andes Mountains of South America and play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion. Despite their importance, they are critically endangered due to habitat loss and secondary poisoning.

In 2024, the Wildlife Conservation Society announced an expanded protected area network in Argentina’s Patagonia region to support the Andean condor[3]. These new reserves will help protect critical nesting and foraging habitats for this endangered species.

Additionally, a new male Andean condor named Bud arrived at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh as a potential mate for their female condor, Lianni, sparking hope for the species’ conservation[8].

4. Dalmatian Pelican

The Dalmatian pelican is one of the largest freshwater birds in the world, with a wingspan of up to 11.5 feet (3.5 meters). These birds are found in wetlands across Europe and Asia, but their populations have declined due to habitat loss and persecution. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent birds.

In Greece, a Dalmatian pelican was photographed expertly catching a fish while perched on a rowing boat, demonstrating their fishing prowess[3]. Meanwhile, in Mongolia, conservationists are working to save the last remaining breeding populations of Dalmatian pelicans in East Asia through targeted outreach and international cooperation[13].

5. Great White Pelican

The great white pelican is another massive bird, with a wingspan reaching up to 11.8 feet (3.6 meters). These birds are found in Africa, Europe, and Asia, where they feed on fish in shallow wetlands. They are known for their distinctive pouches used for catching prey.

6. Marabou Stork

The marabou stork is a large wading bird found in Africa, with a wingspan of up to 12 feet (3.7 meters). These birds are scavengers and play an important role in cleaning up carrion. Despite their ungainly appearance, they are efficient fliers and can soar for long periods.

7. California Condor

The California condor is the largest land bird in North America, with a wingspan of up to 9.8 feet (3 meters). These birds were once on the brink of extinction but have made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts. They are still threatened by lead poisoning from ingesting lead ammunition.

In 2023, ten vaccinated juvenile California condors were released in the San Simeon mountains to help protect the species from the ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak[2].

The condors were vaccinated with a killed, inactivated product designed to provide some level of protection against the deadly virus[9]. This marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to safeguard these iconic birds.

8. Lappet-faced Vulture

The lappet-faced vulture is a large African vulture with a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet (2.9 meters). These birds are powerful scavengers and dominate other vultures at carcasses. They play a vital role in preventing the spread of disease by disposing of animal remains.

9. White-tailed Eagle

The white-tailed eagle is Europe’s largest eagle, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet (2.45 meters). These birds are found near large bodies of water, where they prey on fish and waterbirds.

Thanks to conservation efforts, they have made a significant comeback from the brink of extinction.

10. Steller’s Sea Eagle

Steller’s sea eagle is a massive bird of prey found in the Russian Far East and parts of Japan, with a wingspan of up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters). These birds are easily recognizable by their distinctive black and white plumage and massive yellow beak. They primarily feed on fish and are dependent on specific marine environments.

11. Harpy Eagle

The harpy eagle is the largest and most powerful raptor found in the Americas, with a wingspan of up to 7.2 feet (2.2 meters). These birds are found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, where they hunt tree-dwelling mammals like monkeys and sloths.

Despite their impressive size and strength, they are threatened by habitat loss.

Birdwatching Tips

If you’re inspired to observe some of the world’s largest flying birds in their natural habitats, here are some birdwatching tips to help you make the most of your experience:

• Choose the Right Equipment: A good pair of binoculars is essential for birdwatching. Opt for binoculars with a magnification of 8x or 10x. A spotting scope mounted on a tripod is also helpful for viewing birds over long distances without disturbance.
• Learn to Identify Birds: Familiarize yourself with the birds you intend to observe. Study their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. Field guides and birdwatching apps can be invaluable tools for quick identification and additional information.
• Best Times for Birdwatching: Early morning or late afternoon is usually the best for birdwatching, as birds are most active during these periods. Be mindful of the season, as some birds may only be present in certain regions at specific times of the year due to migration patterns.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear clothing that blends into the environment, such as greens, browns, and other neutral colors. Avoid loud colors and white, which can startle birds and other wildlife. Layer your clothing to adjust to changing weather conditions.
• Be Patient and Quiet: Birds are easily disturbed by noise and sudden movements. Move slowly and keep your voice low or silent. Patience is key; finding and observing birds can take time.
• Respect Wildlife and Habitat: Stay on designated paths and trails to minimize impact on the habitat. Avoid approaching nests or feeding areas too closely, as this can stress the birds.
• Use a Birdwatching Diary: Record the birds you see, noting the date, location, and conditions. This not only enhances your birdwatching experience but also helps you learn and remember the characteristics of different species.
• Join a Birdwatching Group: Participating in group outings with experienced birdwatchers can enhance your skills and offer opportunities to share knowledge and experiences.
• Contribute to Citizen Science: Many organizations use data collected by amateur birdwatchers for research and conservation ( ref ). Participating in bird counts or documenting bird sightings can contribute valuable information to scientific studies.
• Ethical Bird Photography: If photographing birds, ensure your actions don’t harm the bird or its habitat. Use appropriate lenses that allow you to maintain a safe distance, and never use artificial means to attract birds.

By following these tips, you can enjoy birdwatching responsibly while helping to conserve some of the planet’s most impressive birds.

Fighting for Survival

As we marvel at these incredible birds, it’s important to remember that many of them face significant threats to their survival. From habitat destruction to climate change, these majestic creatures need our help.

By supporting conservation efforts and raising awareness about the importance of protecting these species, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring sight of these avian giants soaring through the skies.

Johannes Fritz, a biologist in his late 50s, is not just passionate about nature; he embodies it. While many of us appreciate the beauty of trees, greenery, and various species, Fritz has taken his love for nature to an extraordinary level.

• Don’t Miss: Heroic Man Guides Endangered Birds to Safety with New Alps Migration Route

Don’t miss out, and remember to scroll up and hit the ‘Follow’ button to keep up with the newest stories from Nature of Home on your Microsoft Start feed or MSN homepage.  Or, Click Here to go to our profile page.

[1] https://www.precisionvaccinations.com/2023/11/25/vaccinated-california-condors-being-released-captivity-1 [2] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/09/dalmatian-pelican-catches-fish-greece/ [3] https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/east-bay/california-condors-contra-costa-county/3326377/ [4] https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article283620853.html [8] https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/national-aviary-new-male-andean-condor-bud/ [9] https://apnews.com/article/california-condors-vaccine-avian-influenza-65e27a0751666eee0e3ab3b82ae18251 [13] https://www.birdlife.org/news/2024/01/11/saving-east-asias-last-dalmatian-pelicans/

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Why Does Taylor Swift See Herself as an Albatross?

She can’t help identifying with the notorious bird from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem.

How do you get the albatross off your neck? You know, your albatross. Your own dank collar of bird carcass, bespoke feathery deadweight of shame/rage/neurosis/solipsism/the past/whatever, the price of being you as it feels on a bad day … How do you let it drop?

In Taylor Swift’s “The Albatross”—a bonus track on her new double album, The Tortured Poets Department —the albatross is a person. A woman, to be precise. “She’s the albatross / She is here to destroy you.” Which could be a trope from some slab of 1970s misogynist boogie, Bad Company or Nazareth howling about a faithless woman and her evil ways, etc., etc., but—because this is Taylor Swift—it isn’t.

Let me quickly locate myself in the Taylorverse. I’m a “Bad Blood”/“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” guy. I like the bangers, the big tunes. Midnights was not my cup of tea: overdetermined as to lyrics (too many words), underpowered as to melodies (not enough tunes). For me, it was as if she’d taken the DNA of a maundering, heavy-breathing, medium-Swift song like Reputation ’s “Dress” and unraveled it over a whole album, abetted by the soupy skills of Jack Antonoff . But what do I know? Midnights was one of the biggest albums of all time. And now, less than two years later: The Tortured Poets Department . And: “The Albatross.”

Read: Taylor Swift is having quality-control issues

Sonically, musically, we’re in Folklore territory with this song: the strings; the wending, woodwindy vocal line; the tender electronica; the muted mood; the pewter wash of tastefulness. Chamber music, if the chamber in question has been decorated by Bed Bath & Beyond. Is there a tune? I mean, kind of. Not one you’re going to be bellowing in a toneless rapture at the wheel of your car, but it’s there.

Lyrically, however, things are more lively. There’s this woman, the albatross: a bad habit, a bad relationship, a self-ensnaring situation, a bundle of familiar negatives (“Devils that you know / Raise worse hell than a stranger”). People have warned you about this person. She’s bad news! And Swift, ever-alert to the opprobrium of the herd, cannot help identifying with her. The voice shifts to the first person: “Locked me up in towers / But I’d visit in your dreams.” Reputation -style vibes of slander and persecution are felt: “Wise men once read fake news / And they believed it / Jackals raised their hackles …” As always, the Swifties are speculating: Who’s this song for ? Who is it about? Joe Alwyn? Travis Kelce—and the warnings he got when he started dating Swift? Is she his own stubborn albatross?

By the end of the song, the singer herself has assumed the form of the albatross, and is flapping in to perform a “rescue.” “The devil that you know / Looks now more like an angel.” Embrace your shadow? Embrace your albatross? Embrace your partner with your own long-feathered and doom-laden albatross wings?

This is not how it usually goes with albatrosses.

Read: Travis Kelce is another puzzle for Taylor Swift fans to crack

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is the source, the fons et origo, of the albatross metaphor. In the Rime , a sailor shoots an albatross, and brings a curse upon his ship. Why does he shoot the albatross? No reason, or none given in the poem. Maybe it’s the old existentialist acte gratuit , more than a century early: Maybe he does it because the sun is in his eyes, like Meursault in Camus’s L’Étranger . He shoots it, anyway, prangs it with his crossbow, and the wind drops, and the ship slides into a hell-sea, and the dead bird, as punishment and emblem of shame , is hung around his neck.

Back, then, to our question: How do you get rid of the albatross?

Coleridge, fortunately for us, was very clear on this: You bless the water snakes. It’s all in Part IV of the Rime . The ship is becalmed, the sea is rancid, the crew are dead, and the Mariner—albatross slung Björk-ishly around his neck—is sitting on the deck in a state of nightmare. Meaning, purpose, a following wind: all gone. Perished with his shipmates. Now he’s in a scummy realm, a realm of mere biological outlasting. “And a thousand thousand slimy things / Lived on; and so did I …”

But. However. And yet. With nothing else to do, with no phone to look at, he watches the slimy things as they writhe and flare in the water, super-white in the moonlight, darker and more luxuriously hued when in the shadow cast by the ship itself. And something happens. His heart opens. Or perhaps it breaks. He is mutely, selflessly stirred and awakened. With his core, from his core, he spontaneously exalts what is before him: He blesses the water snakes.

And with a complicated downy loosening, and maybe a glancing clang from its beak, the albatross—fatal baggage of a bird—falls off into the sea.

Taylor Swift is not the first musician to engage with albatrossness. There’s Fleetwood Mac’s beautiful instrumental “Albatross” from 1968—slow celestial wingbeats, bluesy exhalations over a dazzling sea. There’s Public Image Ltd’s trudging, splintering “Albatross” from 1979, interpersonal, more in the Swift vein: “I know you very well / You are unbearable.” Corrosion of Conformity’s “Albatross” is a kind of sludge-rocking, negatively charged “Free Bird”: “You can call me lazy / You can call me wrong … Albatross, fly on, fly on.”

But for the full Coleridgean thing, the full voyage, nothing beats Iron Maiden’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” The live version, preferably. This is a straight-up workingman’s adaptation of the poem, 14 minutes of galumphing rock opera, Coleridge’s words doggedly paraphrased by Maiden bassist–vision guy Steve Harris, and it succeeds spectacularly. Especially at the water-snakes moment, which the band orchestrates to perfection: a flicked and rushing pattern on the hi-hat, a trebly-warbly melodic figure on the bass, palm-muted chug-a-chug of one, then two (then three?) guitars, the tension blissfully building until Bruce Dickinson, with soaring all-gobbling theatricality, sings it out. “Then the spell starts to BREAK / The albatross falls from his NECK / Sinks down like LEAD / Into the SEA / Then down in falls comes the” [King Diamond–style infernal androgynous scream] “RAAAAAAIIN!!”

So what are the water snakes? Coleridge’s Rime is not, for me, an allegory, so the water snakes are not representing or symbolizing something. They are something. A coiling and uncoiling beautiful-terrible, playful-awful force that breaks the surface in snaky loops and flashes. Wonderfully indifferent to us, horrifyingly indifferent to us. But mysteriously in relationship with us, because it is in our eyes that these water snakes, these incandescent reptiles, these limbless creatures of the deep, are made holy. We are the ones who can bless them.

And you can’t decide to bless the water snakes, that’s the point. It’s not about gratitude. It’s not about improving your mental health. No squint of effort, no knotting or unknotting of the frontal lobes will get you there. The blessing arises by itself, or it doesn’t arise at all. Total brain bypass: a love so simple and helpless it barely even knows what it’s loving.

Read: James Parker on the Rick Rubin guide to creativity

So it becomes a question of orienting oneself to the possibility of this love. How to do it? I’m out of my depth here—which is just as it should be, for here we are in the zone of the mystics and the mega-meditators . We are full fathom five, where your feet don’t touch anything, because there’s nothing to touch. If you’re the Ancient Mariner—or perhaps if you’re addicted to opiates, as Coleridge was—you’ll have to go through it, all of it. You’ll have to be carried to the end of yourself. The blessing of the water snakes happens at the Mariner’s clinical bottoming-out: when he’s utterly isolated, on a suppurating sea, besieged by the forces of death.

The rest of us, maybe we don’t have to go—or be taken—that far. Maybe there are other, less drastic, more everyday opportunities and invitations for us to be broken down and opened up. For our grip on the albatross to be unclenched. For the love to pour through us like Iron Maiden. For the albatross itself to wrap its angelic Taylor Swift wings around your inner Travis Kelce.

One way or another, though, sooner or later, gently or with loud sunderings and burstings, it’s going to happen. Life, thank God—it’ll get you and get you again.

This article has been adapted from James Parker’s upcoming book, Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive .

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