wandering albatross mating rituals

What is the mating ritual of the albatross?

The albatross is a large seabird found across the southern oceans. Albatrosses are known for their elaborate mating rituals and lifelong pair bonds. The mating ritual of the albatross is a complex process that reinforces the strong lifelong bond between mating pairs.

The courtship ritual begins when albatrosses return to their breeding colonies after spending several years at sea. Unmated male albatrosses will arrive before the females and begin staking out nesting territories. They use vocal calls, posturing, and ritualized dances to establish dominance. This helps determine which birds will pair up for mating.

When a female albatross arrives at the colony, the male will initiate an elaborate mating dance to catch her attention. He spreads his wings, points his beak skyward, and sways back and forth. If the female is receptive, she will mirror his motions. The pair will dance together, billing and preening each other’s feathers. This dance helps the birds assess each other’s fitness for mating.

Pair Bond Formation

Once a pair of albatrosses takes a liking to each other, they will spend several days or weeks getting to know each other. They reinforce their bond by preening, sitting together, and sleeping side-by-side. The male will also search for a suitable nest site to impress his potential mate.

The pair will gradually synchronize their mating dance routines. This is a sign that their bond is strengthening. As the bond solidifies, the pair will breed for life. The female will lay a single egg that the parents take turns incubating for around 70 days.

Nesting Rituals

Albatrosses do not build nests in the traditional sense. They lay their egg directly on the bare ground or vegetation. However, mating pairs do engage in ritualized nesting behaviors.

Once the egg is laid, parents will develop an elaborate greeting ritual. Whenever one parent returns from sea to relieve the incubating partner, they engage in vocal calls, sky-pointing, and synchronized dancing. This helps reinforce their pair bond throughout the incubation period.

The nesting habitats of albatrosses are also hotbeds of ritualized territorial behavior. Albatrosses are highly aggressive in defending their nesting territories from intruders. They will stab at, bite, and slap trespassing birds with their large wings.

Chick Rearing

After hatching, the albatross chick is cared for by both parents. One parent will guard the chick while the other soars out to sea to hunt for food. When the foraging parent returns, mates perform elaborate greeting rituals. Then they exchange parenting duties so the other bird can go forage.

The mating rituals continue as the parents court each other during exchanges at the nest. This behavior strengthens their lifelong bond and ensures continued cooperation in raising their offspring.

As chicks get older, parents engage in ritualized behaviors to encourage them to fledge. They will stop feeding chicks, harass them verbally and physically, and even abandon them for short periods. This pushes the chick to take its first flight to sea.

Lifelong Bonds

Albatrosses maintain their pair bonds for life. Each year they reunite at the breeding colony and perform mating rituals. Even when they are too old to breed, albatross couples will still go through mating rituals. Their bonds last until one partner dies.

Unusual Courtship Rituals

Within the standard albatross mating sequence, researchers have noted intriguing exceptions. Some males have been observed courting other males with mating dances. Same-sex pairs will build nests together and even foster abandoned eggs. The motives are unknown, but this behavior reveals the complexity of albatross pair bonding instincts.

Interspecies breeding attempts also occur. Albatrosses may court penguins or other seabird species. But these instances rarely result in hybrid offspring. The strong natural instincts to find an albatross mate usually prevent outbreeding between species.

Regional Variations

Not all albatross species follow the same ritualistic mating behaviors. Some of the key regional differences include:

Laysan albatrosses

– Males build mud nest pedestals to attract females. – Ritualized beak fencing is common. – They perform moon-watching dances under the full moon.

Black-footed albatrosses

– Males throw their heads back during mating dances. – Pairs will tap their bills together when greeting. – They nod their heads during ritualized sky-pointing.

Wandering albatrosses

– Males clatter their bills to produce a rattling sound. – Crouching with dropped wings is a common courtship posture. – Pairs whistle duets when greeting each other.

Why Such Complex Rituals?

Scientists are not certain why albatrosses evolved such intricate mating rituals. But there are a few key theories:

– Rituals test and demonstrate fitness between potential mates. – Synchronized dances strengthen lifelong pair bonds. – Ritualized behaviors enhance cooperation in chick rearing. – Displays stimulate hormones that trigger breeding instincts. – Regular practice of rituals maintains bonds during long separations.

The elaborate rituals are energy-intensive displays that reveal important information about each bird’s health, experience, and commitment to mating for life.

The mating rituals of the albatross are sophisticated behavioral sequences passed down over generations. They form an important part of reinforcing monogamous bonds and breeding success. Pairs mate for life and continue performing rituals even after breeding years have passed. Regional variations exist between different species, but the core sequences of courtship dancing, pair bonding, territorial defense, and chick rearing remain similar across the albatross family. The rituals enhance communication, demonstrate fitness, stimulate breeding hormones, and maintain lifelong bonds. After years apart, albatross couples still recognize each other and renew their pair bond through intricate and beautiful mating dances.

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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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Overview of Albatross Breeding Habits

Albatrosses are large, seabird species of the family Diomedeidae whose wingspan can range from 8 to 12 feet in some species. Albatrosses are found mainly in the southern hemisphere, and they breed in colonies on remote islands and coasts. Breeding albatrosses typically form monogamous pairs, and they engage in ritualized courtship displays that involve synchronous movements and bill circles. They are also known for their elaborate nesting displays, which involve the birds gathering materials such as grass, mud, and feathers to build a nest.

Albatross Breeding Rituals

Breeding albatrosses typically mate for life, and they often return to the same nesting site year after year. Before mating, the birds engage in a complex courtship ritual that involves synchronous movements and bill circles. The male albatross will also offer the female gifts such as food, feathers, and grass to win her favor. Once the pair has mated, they will work together to build their nest. This process involves gathering materials such as grass, mud, and feathers to construct the nest. The birds will then use their beaks to shape and mold the materials into the desired shape.

Albatross Nesting Behaviors

Once the nest is built, the albatrosses will lay a single egg in it. The parents will then take turns incubating the egg and providing food for their chick once it hatches. Albatrosses are known for their long-distance flights and they use this ability to find food for their young. They will travel hundreds of miles in search of fish, squid, and other sources of food that they can bring back to their nesting site. Once the chick is old enough, the parents will teach it how to fly and hunt for food.

Conservation and Protection of Albatrosses

Albatrosses are an important part of many oceanic ecosystems, and their numbers have been declining due to human activities. Longline fishing, plastic pollution, and climate change are all threats to albatross populations. To protect these birds, many countries have established marine protected areas and have put restrictions in place to reduce the impact of fishing on albatross populations. In addition, organizations such as the Albatross Task Force are working hard to research and protect these majestic birds.

Albatrosses are amazing birds, and their breeding habits and nesting behaviors are fascinating. They mate for life and engage in complex courtship rituals, and they travel long distances to find food for their young. Unfortunately, human activities are putting albatross populations at risk. To protect these birds, it is important to reduce the impacts of fishing, plastic pollution, and climate change. Furthermore, organizations such as the Albatross Task Force are actively working to research and protect these birds.

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Animal encyclopedia

Exploring the magnificent wandering albatross.

September 4, 2023

John Brooks

September 4, 2023 / Reading time: 6 minutes

Sophie Hodgson

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Table of Contents

The Wandering Albatross is a truly remarkable bird that captivates the imagination of wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. With its impressive wingspan and majestic flight, this magnificent creature has a unique story to tell. In this article, we will delve into the world of the Wandering Albatross, exploring its characteristics, habitat, life cycle, diet, threats, conservation efforts, and even its role in culture and literature.

Understanding the Wandering Albatross

The Wandering Albatross, a majestic seabird, is a fascinating creature that captures the imagination with its impressive size and unique characteristics . Let’s delve deeper into the defining features and habitat of this remarkable bird.

Defining Characteristics of the Wandering Albatross

With a wingspan of up to 11 feet, the Wandering Albatross boasts the largest wingspan of any bird in the world. This remarkable wingspan allows it to glide effortlessly over the vast open oceans it calls home. As it soars through the air, its wingspan creates a mesmerizing spectacle, showcasing the bird’s incredible adaptability to its environment.

The Wandering Albatross is easily recognizable by its distinctive white feathers , sleek body, and long, slender wings . These defining features not only contribute to its graceful appearance but also serve a purpose in its survival. The white feathers help camouflage the bird against the bright sunlight reflecting off the ocean’s surface, while the sleek body and long wings enable it to navigate the winds with precision.

The Albatross’s Unique Habitat

These graceful birds are found primarily in the southern oceans, particularly around the Antarctic region. The vast expanse of the Southern Ocean provides an ideal environment for the Wandering Albatross to thrive. With its ability to cover immense distances, the bird utilizes the strong winds to its advantage, effortlessly gliding across the ocean in search of food and suitable breeding grounds.

During their long journeys, Wandering Albatrosses traverse various oceanic regions, from the sub-Antarctic to as far as the coast of South America. Their nomadic lifestyle allows them to explore different ecosystems , adapting to the ever-changing conditions of the open ocean.

When on land, the Wandering Albatross prefers remote and isolated islands for nesting. These islands provide the perfect breeding environment, away from human disturbance and terrestrial predators. Here, amidst the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches, the albatrosses establish their colonies, creating a spectacle of life in the midst of the vast ocean.

These incredible birds are known to return to the same nesting sites year after year, demonstrating their strong site fidelity . The remote islands become their sanctuary, where they engage in courtship rituals, build nests, and raise their young. It is a testament to their resilience and adaptability that they have managed to maintain these nesting sites for generations, despite the challenges they face in the ever-changing world.

As we continue to explore and understand the Wandering Albatross, we uncover more about its remarkable adaptations, behaviors, and interactions with its environment. The more we learn, the more we appreciate the intricate web of life that exists in the vast oceans, where these magnificent birds reign supreme.

The Life Cycle of the Wandering Albatross

Breeding and nesting patterns.

The breeding season for the Wandering Albatross begins in the austral summer months, with courtship rituals that involve intricate displays of dance and vocalizations . These courtship displays are not only a way for the albatrosses to attract a mate but also a means of establishing dominance within their colony. The males showcase their impressive wingspan and perform elaborate dances, while the females respond with their own graceful movements.

Once a pair bonds, they establish a nest on the chosen island and begin the process of reproduction. The nests are carefully constructed using a combination of soil, grass, and other materials found on the island. The albatrosses take great care in selecting the perfect location for their nest, ensuring it is protected from the harsh elements and predators.

The female typically lays a single egg, which both parents take turns incubating. Incubation lasts for approximately 60 days, during which the parents rotate shifts to keep the egg warm and protected. This shared responsibility is a testament to the strong bonds formed between Wandering Albatross pairs. The parents take turns leaving the nest to search for food, returning to regurgitate the nutrient-rich meal for their growing chick.

During the incubation period, the albatrosses face numerous challenges. They must withstand strong winds, freezing temperatures, and potential threats from predators . Despite these difficulties, the dedicated parents remain vigilant, ensuring the survival of their offspring.

Growth and Development Stages

After hatching, the chicks are cared for and fed by both parents. The parents regurgitate a nutrient-rich oil that provides essential nourishment for the growing chick. This feeding process continues for several months until the chick becomes independent enough to forage on its own. The oil not only provides the necessary nutrients but also helps to strengthen the chick’s immune system, protecting it from potential diseases.

As the chick grows, it undergoes various developmental stages. Its downy feathers gradually give way to juvenile plumage, which is darker in coloration. The chick’s beak also undergoes changes, becoming stronger and more adapted to catching prey. During this time, the parents continue to provide guidance and protection, teaching the chick essential survival skills.

It takes years for a Wandering Albatross chick to reach maturity. During this time, they undergo a remarkable transformation, gradually developing their characteristic white plumage and mastering their flight skills. The albatrosses spend a significant portion of their juvenile years at sea, honing their flying abilities and exploring vast oceanic territories. It is during this period that they face various challenges, including encounters with other seabirds and potential threats from human activities.

It is this lengthy growth period that contributes to the vulnerability of this species and its slow population recovery. The Wandering Albatross faces numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these magnificent birds and their unique life cycle.

The Wandering Albatross’s Diet and Hunting Techniques

Preferred prey and hunting grounds.

The Wandering Albatross is primarily a scavenger, feeding on a variety of marine organisms, including squid, fish, and crustaceans. They use their keen eyesight to spot potential prey items floating on the ocean surface, and once sighted, they plunge-dived from great heights to capture their meal. Additionally, these birds are known to scavenge carrion and exploit fishing vessels for an easy meal.

Adaptations for Hunting in the Open Ocean

Surviving in the harsh oceanic environment requires specialized adaptations, and the Wandering Albatross is well-equipped for the task. Its long wings enable it to glide effortlessly for long periods, conserving energy during hours of flight. The bird’s keen sense of smell allows it to locate food sources, even from great distances. These adaptations make the Wandering Albatross a formidable hunter and a vital component of the oceanic ecosystem.

Threats and Conservation Efforts

Human impact on the wandering albatross.

Despite their grace and beauty, Wandering Albatrosses face numerous threats that have contributed to their decline. One of the main challenges is the destructive impact of longline fishing operations, where the birds mistakenly become hooked or tangled in the fishing gear. Additionally, pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change further jeopardize the survival of these birds.

Current Conservation Strategies and Their Effectiveness

To safeguard the future of the Wandering Albatross, concerted conservation efforts are underway. Several measures have been implemented, including the establishment of protected areas and marine reserves, the development of guidelines for responsible fishing practices, and public awareness campaigns to promote the importance of nurturing this iconic species. While progress has been made, continued efforts are required to ensure the recovery and long-term survival of the Wandering Albatross.

The Role of the Wandering Albatross in Culture and Literature

Symbolism and significance in various cultures.

Throughout history, the Wandering Albatross has held deep cultural significance in many communities. In some cultures, these birds are considered symbols of loyalty, freedom, and endurance. They are often associated with seafaring traditions and are believed to bring good fortune to sailors.

The Albatross in Classic and Contemporary Literature

The haunting imagery of the Wandering Albatross has inspired numerous works of literature. Perhaps the most famous reference is found in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” where an albatross is depicted as a harbinger of both good and ill fortune. Furthermore, many modern authors have woven the essence of the Wandering Albatross into their stories, capturing its mystique and its role as a symbol of the natural world.

In conclusion, the Wandering Albatross is a remarkable bird with a captivating presence. From its unique characteristics to its adaptations for survival in the open ocean , this magnificent creature enthralls all who encounter it. However, its existence is threatened by human activities and environmental changes. Through ongoing conservation efforts and a deeper appreciation of its cultural significance, we can work towards ensuring a future where the Wandering Albatross continues to grace the skies above the vast southern oceans.

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Wandering Albatross

Diomedea exulans

Known for its majestic wingspan and far-ranging travels, the Wandering Albatross is a captivating presence in the Southern Ocean's expanse. As the bird with the widest wingspan globally, this remarkable creature glides effortlessly across vast oceanic distances, its brilliant white plumage and solitary habits making it a unique symbol of the wild, open sea.

On this page

Appearance and Identification

Vocalization and sounds, behavior and social structure, distribution and habitat, lifespan and life cycle, conservation status, similar birds.

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Primary color (juvenile), secondary colors.

Black, Grey

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary colors (juvenile).

White, Grey

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing color (juvenile).

Large, Hooked

Beak Color (juvenile)

Leg color (juvenile), distinctive markings.

Black wings, white tail, large pink beak

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Darker than adults, brown beak

Tail Description

White with black edges

Tail Description (juvenile)

Brown with white edges

Size Metrics

107cm to 135cm

250cm to 350cm

6.72kg to 12kg

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Pair of Wandering Albatrosses

Juvenile Wandering Albatross

Wandering Albatross resting on the sea

Wandering Albatross in-flight over the ocean

Wandering Albatross at nest with downy chick

Primary Calls

Series of grunts and whistles

Call Description

Most vocal on breeding grounds, otherwise silent

Alarm Calls

Loud, harsh squawks

Daily Activities

Active during day, rests on water surface at night

Social Habits

Solitary at sea, social on breeding grounds

Territorial Behavior

Defends nest site during breeding season

Migratory Patterns

Non-migratory but wanders widely at sea

Interaction with Other Species

Occasionally forms loose flocks at sea

Primary Diet

Fish, Squid

Feeding Habits

Surface seizes and scavenges

Feeding Times

Day and night

Prey Capture Method

Plunge-diving, surface-seizing

Diet Variations

May eat carrion

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Nesting location.

On ground on isolated islands

Nest Construction

Mound of mud and vegetation

Breeding Season

Every other year

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

Once every two years

Egg Appearance

White, oval

Clutch Characteristics

Incubation period.

Around 80 days

Fledgling Period

Approximately 9 months

Parental Care

Both parents incubate and feed chick

Geographic Range

Circumpolar in Southern Ocean

Habitat Description

Open ocean, breeds on remote islands

Elevation Range

Migration patterns, climate zones.

Polar, Temperate

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

Non-breeding

Lifespan range (years)

Average lifespan, maturity age.

7-10 year(s)

Breeding Age

Reproductive behavior.

Monogamous, long-term pair bonds

Age-Related Changes

Younger birds are darker, gain white plumage with age

Current Status

Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)

Major Threats

Longline fishing, plastic ingestion, climate change

Conservation Efforts

Protected under international law, conservation programs on breeding islands

Population Trend

Slow but steady population decrease due to threats

Royal Albatross

Diomedea epomophora

Classification

Other names:

Snowy Albatross, White-winged Albatross

Population size:

Population trend:

Conservation status:

IUCN Red List

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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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• Brief Communication
• Published: 31 August 2000

Oceanic respite for wandering albatrosses

• Henri Weimerskirch 2 , 1 &
• Rory P. Wilson 3  

Nature volume  406 ,  pages 955–956 ( 2000 ) Cite this article

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Birds taking time off from breeding head for their favourite long-haul destinations.

What oceanic seabirds do outside their breeding periods is something of a mystery, although altogether these “sabbaticals’ add up to more than half of their lifetime and are probably a key feature of their life history. Here we use geolocation systems based on light-intensity measurements to show that during these periods wandering albatrosses ( Diomedea exulans ) leave the foraging grounds that they frequent while breeding for specific, individual oceanic sectors and spend the rest of the year there — each bird probably returns to the same area throughout its life. This discovery of individual home-range preferences outside the breeding season has important implications for the conservation of albatrosses threatened by the development of longline fisheries.

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Henri Weimerskirch

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Weimerskirch, H., Wilson, R. Oceanic respite for wandering albatrosses. Nature 406 , 955–956 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/35023068

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Origin, age, sex and breeding status of wandering albatrosses ( Diomedea exulans ), northern ( Macronectes halli ) and southern giant petrels ( Macronectes giganteus ) attending demersal longliners in Falkland Islands and Scotia Ridge waters, 2001–2005

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• Volume 30 , pages 359–368, ( 2007 )

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A total of 547 sightings of 291 banded wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans and 21 sightings of 14 banded giant petrels Macronectes spp. were made from toothfish longliners operating on the southern Patagonian Shelf during 2001–2005. This included 25% of the wandering albatrosses with Darvic bands that bred at Bird Island (South Georgia) during this period. Thirteen of the northern Macronectes halli and southern giant petrels Macronectes giganteus had been banded at South Georgia, and there was one sighting of a southern giant petrel from Argentina. Male and female wandering albatrosses of all age classes except young birds (<15 years old) were equally likely to attend longline vessels. Most sightings of all age classes were made during the incubation period and fewest during the brood period. Eighty-six percent of birds sighted had bred at least once before, with half currently breeding and half on sabbatical (i.e. between breeding attempts). Almost half of the wandering albatrosses were sighted on more than one occasion. The data confirms that the southern Patagonian shelf is an important foraging area for wandering albatrosses and northern and southern giant petrels, and that some individuals show consistent associations in multiple years with longline vessels fishing in the region.

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Acknowledgements

Special thanks to FIFD observers Andy Black, Ross James, Matthew Pearce and Oli Yates for their sightings, J. Pompert who supervised the FIFD observer program and Janet Silk for the figures. Flavio Quintana (Centro Nacional Patagónico, Conicet Argentina) and Fabian Rabufetti (Aves Argentinas) kindly provided information about their southern giant petrel banding program. We also express thanks to Sally Poncet for providing records of Bird Island banded albatrosses seen during the 2003/2004 South Georgia albatross census and advice on an earlier draft of this paper. A. Arkhipkin and two anonymous referees also helped to improve the manuscript. The support of the Fisheries Patrol Officers and the crew of the Fishery Patrol Vessels Dorada and Sigma for the transfer of observers were critical. H.O. wishes to thank Consolidated Fisheries Limited who provided funding for the collation of the data and to the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands for generous assistance during manuscript preparation. We thank all those who have banded wandering albatrosses and giant petrels at Bird Island since 1958.

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Helen Otley

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Otley, H., Reid, T., Phillips, R. et al. Origin, age, sex and breeding status of wandering albatrosses ( Diomedea exulans ), northern ( Macronectes halli ) and southern giant petrels ( Macronectes giganteus ) attending demersal longliners in Falkland Islands and Scotia Ridge waters, 2001–2005. Polar Biol 30 , 359–368 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-006-0192-8

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-006-0192-8

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Wandering Albatross: Is This Animal Endangered?

By: Author Our Endangered World

Posted on Last updated: September 26, 2023

Wandering albatross populations have been declining because of human activities; we need to make sure we protect them so that Wandering Albatrosses can continue to wander. These seabirds are large seabirds native to the Southern Hemisphere.

• Status: Vulnerable 
• Known as : Wandering Albatross, White-winged albatross, snowy albatross.
• Estimated numbers left in the wild: 20,000 adults.
• Fun fact: Wandering albatrosses can eat to such excess at times that they are unable to fly and have to rest helplessly on the water.

Wandering albatross populations have been declining because of human activities, and Wandering albatrosses need our help in order for them to continue their migration patterns. The wandering albatross is a vulnerable species that need protection from humans in order to survive.

Table of Contents

Description

Vast and graceful, the wandering albatross spreads its wings towards the south like the biblical hawk, cruising the southern hemisphere’s skies on pinions that spread up to 3.5 meters, the largest wingspan found in any living bird .

Wandering albatrosses like albatross can migrate for thousands of miles, depending on which hemisphere Wandering Albatross is in.

Their chicks are very vulnerable until they grow their adult feathers, and Wandering Albatross adults are often captured by long-line fishing every year, which is harmful to the albatross populations.

• They migrate for thousands of miles to spend winter months in Antarctica and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

This albatross species are very rare, with only 50 estimated left in the world.

The seabird faces many threats such as pollution, disturbance due to man-made sources like fishing boats and wind turbines, and predation by invasive species.

Anatomy and Appearance

These albatrosses measure 1.1 meters long and can weigh 10 kilograms. Their snowy white feathers and black and white wings give them a handsome appearance, especially contrasted with the ocean’s deep blue, while their beaks are long, sturdy, and yellowish, adapted for snapping up prey. They have the longest wingspan and shallow dives.

The albatross is superbly adapted for soaring flight despite its large size and can glide for hours before it needs to beat its wings to regain height.

When not breeding, these birds spend all their time at sea, far from even the island’s limited land . They sleep on the water’s surface and spend days gliding and flying in search of food.

See Related : Andean Flamingo

The Wandering albatross is found over the oceans of the southern hemisphere. Airborne for much of their lives, these huge birds also rest on the sea’s surface.

They travel to a handful of remote islands outside the Antarctic Circle to breed, including Prince Edward Island, Crozet Island, South Georgia Island, and Macquarie Island.

Its living range covers 65 million square kilometers, and its breeding area is confined to just under 2,000 square kilometers.

Wandering Albatross Habitat

Wandering albatrosses live in the Southern Hemisphere and mainly Antarctica. This seabird flies very long distances to migrate every year, making them one of the most well-traveling birds in the world.

They tend to stay in their typical coastal habitat which is around the sea and land with enough food for them to survive.

Wandering Albatrosses are not just found in one area of the world, they are all over the southern half of the world.

The bird commonly breed on islands off South America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and island territories of the United Kingdom near Antarctica.

Wandering Albatross Diet and Nutrition

Wandering Albatrosses are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of prey items. Their diet consists of cephalopods, fish, crustaceans, and marine mammals. They have also been known to eat seabirds, including penguins.

The birds are night feeders. Squid and fish schools are their favored feeding areas, though they also follow fishing boats to gobble up refuse – and thus possibly run afoul of long-line fishing lines.

They are prodigious wanderers and can travel up to 6,000 kilometers in twelve days. Patagonian toothfish is a favorite food, but any squid or fish that can be seized at the surface in the bird’s powerful beak will do.

These birds catch their prey with their bills and feet, but will also snatch at prey off the water’s surface. They can swallow small prey whole and regurgitate indigestible parts such as bones, scales, and fins.

Wandering Albatross Mating Habits

Wandering Albatrosses are known for their elaborate mating rituals. The males and females perform a dance together, and the male will offer the female a gift of food.

If the female accepts the gift, the two birds will mate. They are monogamous throughout their lives. The seabird is found in the Southern Hemisphere, but they migrate for thousands of miles to spend winter months in Antarctica and summer months in the Northern Hemisphere.

Many Wandering Albatrosses lay one egg, but breeding albatrosses have been reported to lay up to three eggs. These seabird species are monogamous and mate for life.

Wandering Albatrosses have a courtship ritual that involves circling the mate before copulation. The Wandering Albatross is a very long-lived bird with a lifespan of 60-70 years in the wild.

Albatrosses mate for life and nest in colonies on remote southern islands close to the Antarctic circle. They build large nests out of moss and other vegetation and lay a single elongated, 10-centimeter egg, which is cared for alternately by both parents.

The young albatross takes about nine months to fledge, during which time its parents feed it. If they do not run afoul of fishing lines or die from ingested plastic garbage , albatrosses can live for up to half a century in the wild.

See Related : Most Interesting Birds in the World

Wandering Albatross and Human Relationship

Wandering Albatrosses are well known to have a strong, though not always successful, relationship with humans.

They often mistake boats and wind turbines as resting spots. This is because Wandering Albatrosses often imitate other albatrosses who are sitting on these structures.

The seabird is also threatened by invasive species that humans introduce o their habitats such as rats, pigs, cats, and dogs which prey on their chicks or kill adult Albatrosses by stealing their food caches.

Role in the Ecosystems

Wandering Albatrosses play a very important role in the ecosystem. They are considered “charismatic megafauna”, meaning they are large, easily identifiable animals that are popular with the public.

Their popularity draws attention to the conservation issues that they face and helps to raise awareness about the dangers they face.

They are important in the ecosystem because these birds are large seabirds that mainly feed on crustaceans. They can form massive breeding colonies on coasts and islands occurring at more than one hundred sites, where they nest or lay their eggs.

Wandering Albatross Facts

Here are the interesting facts you need to know about this species.

• The Wandering Albatross is a large seabird and the only member of the genus Diomedea.
• They can be found around almost all of the Southern Ocean.
• The seabirds nest on many sub-Antarctic islands where they are threatened by many invasive species.
• They are the largest seabird in the world.
• They have a wingspan of up to 11 feet and can weigh up to 30 pounds.
• The albatross eat fish and squid and they hunt at night while gliding over the ocean.

See Related: These Are 13 of the Longest Living Animals on Earth

Conservation Status

The Wandering Albatross is currently listed as a vulnerable species This is because the bird’s population has declined by more than 50% in the past three generations. There are many threats that face albatrosses, and conservationists are working hard to protect these animals.

Their colonies are also jeopardized due to human encroachment on nesting areas without proper conservation efforts.

The wandering albatross is relatively well protected, both by its remote location and by-laws. However, its population is still slowly declining for slightly mysterious reasons.

The most likely culprits are long-line fishing fatalities, as the birds become hooked and drown, and plastics’ ingestion can kill both chicks and adults.

The birds were once hunted for feathers for women’s hats, but this practice is long gone thanks to changing fashion. Kerguelen Island is infested with feral cats, which have wiped out entire broods of chicks.

See Related : Causes of Extinction You Should Know About

Conservation efforts

The islands where the wandering albatross nests are thoroughly protected as nature reserves and, in one case, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Improved long-line fishing regulations have dramatically reduced the by-catch of these beautiful animals, and more measures are being developed.

Cats have been exterminated from another island they colonized, and further extirpation efforts are being carried out or are planned.

Albatrosses and Petrels Conservation

In 2001, the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels was formed to help better protect these creatures. The agreement is a collaborative effort between 24 different nations, including the United States of America.

The main goals of the agreement are to:

• reduce bycatch and mortality of albatrosses and petrels;
• identify and mitigate threats to albatrosses and petrels, including climate change ; promote effective management of albatrosses and petrels; and
• increase public awareness of the importance of albatrosses and petrels.

Captive Breeding

One way that researchers are trying to save seabird is by captive breeding. Captive breeding is when animals are bred in controlled settings, such as zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. This is done in an effort to increase the population size of a species and reduce the risk of extinction.

So far, captive breeding has been successful for these sea bird species. The albatross captive population or breeding population added to the total population that has increased to about 1100 individuals since captive breeding was started in 2004.

Organizations

Do you know of or are you a part of an organization that works to conserve the Amsterdam Albatross ? Then please contact us to have it featured on Our Endangered World .

See Related :  Fascinating Facts About Conservation

Final Thoughts

Wandering Albatrosses are large seabirds that migrate to spend the winter in Antarctica and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

They face many threats such as pollution, disturbance due to man-made sources like fishing boats and wind turbines, predation by invasive species such as rats, pigs, cats, and dogs. The bird is currently listed as a vulnerable species This is because its population has declined by more than 50% in 3 generations.

There are many conservation efforts being undertaken for this animal including improved long-line fishing regulations which have reduced the bycatch of these birds dramatically.

Also eradicating feral cats from one island they had colonized with plans for further extirpations underway. With so much work being done for this animal, Wandering Albatrosses will hopefully become less vulnerable.

What is Wandering Albatross?

Wandering Albatross are large seabirds that have a wingspan of 6.6 ft and are larger than the wingspan of any bird– it is the largest living member of the family Diomedeidae.

Wanderers can be found in subtropical regions throughout Southern Hemisphere, nesting on isolated islands and coastal cliffs. Wanderers typically migrate for thousands of miles to spend winter months in Antarctica and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Where is the wandering albatross found?

Wandering albatrosses migrate for thousands of kilometers each year to spend the winter in Antarctica and summer in the southern oceans.

How many Wandering Albatrosses are left in the world?

It’s not easy to count Wandering Albatross populations. The species is present in five continents and its population is being evaluated everywhere it is found.

It’s 11,000 of this species according to Guinness World Records 2004 edition. World Wildlife Fund estimates that there are 12,000 today globally, but noted many surveys still need to be done before a reliable estimate can be obtained.

Why is Wandering Albatrosses threatened?

Wandering Albatrosses are threatened by the erosion of their nesting site, habitat destruction caused by people settling around the albatross’s breeding grounds and roosting sites, and predation of the seabird’s chicks.

Many dangers endanger the subterranean world, including pollution, human activity, and other man-made factors such as boats and wind turbines. Rat predation is one of the most common threats to these creatures.

Are wandering albatross still alive?

The wandering albatross is still alive! They migrate for vast distances. These albatross is a vulnerable species because they face many different environmental factors that threaten their survival.

How long can a wandering albatross fly nonstop?

Wandering Albatross is not able to fly nonstop due to its large size. They are able to glide for two hours without needing a break but cannot refuel in flight, and may require months of food and water when they land at breeding sites.

The sea bird often lands on ships and buildings in search of food and water because natural sources like seals, penguins, plankton, krill, or squid can no longer support them without threats from pollution or other man-made properties such as boats or wind turbines.

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Birds with the largest wingspan include the Albatross

Birds with the largest wingspan, such as the Albatross, possess unique traits and powerful wings that enable them to soar across great distances. Some notable examples include the Northern Royal Albatross, Andean Condor, Dalmatian Pelican, and Great White Pelican, to name a few. However, it is the Wandering Albatross that claims the title for the largest wingspan, measuring over three meters. The wingspan of these majestic birds is determined by measuring from one feather tip to the other wingtip. It is widely believed that longer wingspans are associated with more extensive flight distances. The Wandering Albatross, known for its diet of crustaceans, cephalopods, and small fish, is capable of living for over five decades. Interestingly, these birds have a significantly lower divorce rate than most species, as they mate for life. Despite the vast knowledge we have about these incredible creatures, there are still many unknowns surrounding the factors that contribute to the extinction of certain bird species.

Birds with the Largest Wingspan

Birds with the largest wingspan are an awe-inspiring sight. Their expansive wings allow them to soar through the sky with grace and ease. Some of the birds with the largest wingspans include the Albatross, Northern Royal Albatross, Andean Condor, Antipodean Albatross, Tristan Albatross, Dalmatian Pelican, Southern Royal Albatross, Great White Pelican, and Wandering Albatross.

The Wandering Albatross

One of the birds with the largest wingspans is the Wandering Albatross. This magnificent creature boasts a wingspan of over three meters, making it one of the largest wingspans of any bird. Its wings are perfectly adapted to help it traverse the vast oceans it calls home.

Feeding Habits

The Wandering Albatross primarily feeds on crustaceans, cephalopods, and small fish. Its large wingspan allows it to cover a great distance while searching for food, minimizing the effort required to find sustenance. This efficient feeding strategy is crucial for the survival of such a majestic bird.

Long Lifespan

One of the remarkable things about the Wandering Albatross is its long lifespan. These birds can live for over 50 years, which is quite impressive considering their harsh oceanic environment. Their ability to navigate the vast open waters for decades is a testament to their incredible adaptability and resilience.

Mating Behavior

The Wandering Albatross has a unique mating behavior that sets it apart from many other bird species. These birds have a low divorce rate and tend to mate for life. Once they find a suitable partner, they remain together and raise their young as a committed couple. This lifelong bond is a testament to the strength and dedication of these magnificent birds.

Birds’ Wingspan

To understand the significance of birds with large wingspans, it is important to understand the concept of wingspan itself. Wingspan refers to the distance from one feather tip to the other wingtip when the wings are fully extended. It is a crucial measurement in understanding a bird’s ability to fly and navigate its environment.

Measurement Method

Measuring the wingspan of birds is a fairly straightforward process. Scientists carefully spread out the bird’s wings and measure the distance from one tip to the other. This measurement provides valuable insights into the bird’s physical capabilities and its suitability for long-distance flight.

Correlation with Flight Distances

There is a direct correlation between a bird’s wingspan and its flight distances. Birds with longer wingspans have the advantage of being able to cover greater distances with each flap of their wings. This allows them to conserve energy and travel more efficiently, making them well-suited for long migratory journeys.

Traits and Abilities of Birds with Large Wingspans

Birds with large wingspans possess a unique set of traits and abilities that enable them to excel in their environments. These characteristics contribute to their exceptional flying capabilities and overall success as a species.

Unique Traits

One of the most notable traits of birds with large wingspans is their exceptional buoyancy in flight. Their wings are designed to generate lift and provide stability even in the face of strong winds and turbulent conditions. This unique trait allows them to soar effortlessly through the skies, covering vast distances without expending excessive energy.

Strong Wings

The wings of birds with large wingspans are incredibly strong and sturdy. This strength is necessary to support their immense weight and maintain stability during long flights. Strong wings also enable these birds to maneuver through challenging weather conditions and navigate their surroundings with precision.

Long-Distance Flying Ability

Perhaps the most impressive ability of birds with large wingspans is their capacity for long-distance flight. These birds are well-suited for traversing expansive territories and crossing vast bodies of water. Their wingspans provide the necessary lift and power to sustain flight over extended periods, allowing them to migrate across continents and oceans in search of food, breeding grounds, and suitable habitats.

The Albatross Species

The Albatross family includes several species with large wingspans. Each species possesses its own unique characteristics and adaptations, making them fascinating subjects of study and admiration.

Northern Royal Albatross

The Northern Royal Albatross is one of the largest bird species in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to three and a half meters. These magnificent birds are native to the Southern Ocean and are known for their majestic flight and graceful presence.

Antipodean Albatross

The Antipodean Albatross is another member of the Albatross family with an impressive wingspan. These birds are found in the southern oceans and can reach wingspans of over three meters. They are known for their distinctive white plumage and striking appearance.

Tristan Albatross

The Tristan Albatross is a critically endangered species with a modest wingspan of around 2.5 meters. These birds are endemic to the Tristan da Cunha archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. They face numerous threats to their survival, including habitat destruction and invasive species.

Southern Royal Albatross

The Southern Royal Albatross is one of the largest species of albatrosses, with a wingspan that can exceed three meters. These birds are native to the Southern Ocean and are renowned for their elaborate courtship rituals and intricate mating dances.

Wandering Albatross

As mentioned earlier, the Wandering Albatross is the albatross species with the largest wingspan. These birds are known for their exceptional ability to cover vast distances and their unique mating behavior. With their majestic wing span of over three meters, the Wandering Albatross commands attention wherever it goes.

The Andean Condor

While not an albatross, the Andean Condor deserves mention when discussing birds with large wingspans. This magnificent species has a wingspan that can exceed three meters, making it one of the largest flighted bird species. Found in the Andes Mountains of South America, these birds are known for their soaring flight and scavenging habits.

The Dalmatian Pelican

Another bird species with a noteworthy wingspan is the Dalmatian Pelican. With a wingspan that can reach up to three meters, these birds are among the largest freshwater birds in the world. They are native to parts of Europe and Asia, where they inhabit lakes, deltas, and wetlands.

The Great White Pelican

The Great White Pelican is a bird species that also boasts an impressive wingspan. These birds can reach wingspans of over three meters, making them formidable creatures in the avian world. They are known for their striking appearance, with bright white plumage and a distinctive pink facial pouch.

Unknowns about Extinction

While birds with large wingspans continue to capture our imaginations, there are still many unknowns about why some bird species have become extinct. Human activities, habitat loss, climate change, and other factors have significantly impacted bird populations worldwide. Understanding these complexities is crucial for the conservation and protection of our feathered friends and their unique wingspans.

In conclusion, birds with large wingspans are truly remarkable creatures. Whether it’s the graceful flight of the albatross or the majestic presence of the pelicans, these birds captivate us with their beauty and abilities. Their large wingspans enable them to soar through the skies with ease, covering vast distances and thriving in their respective habitats. As we continue to explore and learn about these magnificent creatures, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve their environments, ensuring that their impressive wingspans will grace our skies for generations to come.

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• From the Archives

The Dance of the Albatross

There are plenty of famous courtship performances in the bird world; those of the lyrebirds, the birds-of-paradise, the manakins. It would be hard to describe these performances as being about love, however. They are often too quick, too  frenetic , and lead to a union so brief if you blink you’lll miss it. You won’t find love here anymore than you would in a hot and noisy nightclub. To find love and spectacle in the bird world you’ll need to go for a bird that takes it slow and makes sure it has found everything it wants in a partner. You’ll need to find yourself an albatross.

Gratuitous Black-browed Albatross photo ( Thalassarche melanophrys ) not engaging in dancing

Albatrosses are the longest lived of an already long lived order of birds, the petrels, and are in fact among the longest lived of all birds. All stages of their life take a long time, incubation, brooding, time to fledging, time to adulthood. And sure enough, they take a long time to pair off having reached a form of sexual maturity. Years in fact. And much of that time is spend loafing around the breeding colonies trying to pair off and engaging in silly-looking behaviours referred to as dancing by scientists. So what is going on?

The answer lies in the information I just provided; how long everything takes when you’re an albatross. It can take over a year to raise a chick for the larger species, and even species that can fit their entire breeding cycle into one year tend not to breed in consecutive years. This is because raising a chick is not just time consuming, it’s an effort that requires real investment . And if it takes a lot of effort and a bird is only going to have a limited numbers of shots at it this bird wants to know that its partner is going to be equally invested doing it right. Hooking up with a bird that isn’t invested would damage your lifetime reproductive success, and that is not a winning formula. So you take time at the start to make sure that your partner is right for you.

And that is where the dances come in. A young bird returning to the colony it was hatching from has a repertoire of stereotyped behaviours that form the basis of albatross dances already in its head, essentially the words of the language, but no particular idea how to use them. Early displays to other birds are rather indiscriminate and clueless, and no doubt some of you are thinking about analogies to young adult “mating behaviour”! Early displays also involve small groups of young albatrosses instead of just pairs, and birds learn the “language” of their dance faster if they

Groups of young albies will practice together before pairing off to perfect their dance. Laysan Albatross ( Phoebastria immutabilis )

Most of the stereotyped behaviours used in dances have been catalogued by scientists, and given somewhat barmy names like “sky-moo” or “bob-strutting”. These behaviours include a range of actions and calls, and combinations of the two. Among the stereotyped actions that make up albatross language are…

The albatross on the left is doing a preen-under-wing and the one on the right is pointing.   Black-footed Albatross ( Phoebastria nigripes ) by Steve Tucker, used with permission.

 A pair of Wandering Albatross ( Diomedea exulans ), the one on the right is performing a sky-call. Image by L Guerin, CC and GFDL .

The albi on the right is displaying its gape. Waved Albatrosses  ( Phoebastria irrorata ) by Aaron Logan (CC) . For a truly astonishing shot of this check this image out .

The same pair engaged in some clattering. By Aaron Logan (CC)

A pair of Laysans, the one on the right is performing a sky-point.

The more observant albiephiles will have noticed that only two genera seem to have been illustrated so far. Indeed these images are of the North Pacific albatrosses (or gooneys, Phoebastria ) and the great albatrosses ( Diomedea ). The sooty albatrosses ( Phoebetria ) and the mollymawks ( Thalassarche ) tend to breed in tighter colonies and have more restrained courtship behaviour. They still take a long time to form bonds, and have stereotyped behaviours they incorporate into their courtship, but they are not typically described as dancers.

In crowded colonies the mating rituals of the Black-browed Albatross are more restrained. By Liam Quinn (CC)

As the years pass the young albatrosses progressively dance with fewer and fewer partners, eventually pairing off with a single bird. Even here it isn’t quite at an end. The pair will perfect their dance for some time, synchronised through years of repetition, creating a language of dance that is utterly unique to that one pair and distinuguishable from all other birds. Having finally perfected an entirely unique language and paired off, however, one final unexpected surprise occurs. After the pair is established the dance is pretty much never used again. The pair already knows who the other bird, and beyond allopreening there is no maintenance of the pair bond through behaviour.

In Julie’s column this week she addressed the question of whether birds feel love . It is a surprisingly difficult question for science to address, but it can say this. The same evolutionary pressures that drove humans to evolve the capacity for love have had their way with the albatrosses. The need to invest huge effort into the young and to depend utterly on a reliable partner to help raise that young is one we shared with the albatrosses, at least until we learned to develop cultural solutions to raising young with absent parents, required the potential for extraordinarily strong bonds that could survive good times and bad, sickness and health. Indeed the albatrosses are more dependent upon a partner to raise their young than we ever were, and the bonds they form with their partners are as strong, if not stronger, than ours. Infer from that what you will.

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Cool!! It seems that our young do the same thing with dancing. We all start dancing with lots of friends and slowly reduce the number of partners as we get older untill we find “the one”.

Beautiful photos and a fascinating post! Thanks!

There are SO MANY albatross species I still need to see. I miss the moos and clatters and whinnies of an albacolony…

That photo you linked to is crippling.

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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.

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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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Albatross (Wandering) Diomedea exulans GO -->

Albatross (wandering).

The wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any bird and is perhaps the most magnificent of all twelve species of albatross.

• Flying and Feeding
• The Wandering Albatross and Humans

The albatross is a very long-lived bird but it does not start breeding until it is at least seven years old. The breeding grounds are usually on the top of cliffs where the birds can take off easily in the prevailing winds.

The birds gather in large numbers and the males and females perform elaborate and spectacular courtship displays. The two birds of a pair dance awkwardly around each other, bowing and clattering their bills, with the wings outstretched. At the end of the performance they point their bills to the sky and scream loudly.

At the beginning of the breeding season, which lasts from November until July, several males may be seen dancing around one female. Once a bird has found a suitable mate, which may take a few years, they remain together until one of them dies.

A large, untidy nest is built by both birds, using soil and vegetation to make a cup-shaped mound about 1 metre across and 30cm high. A single egg is laid, white with red spots, and the parents share the incubation, the male doing most of the sitting. The pair usually change over every two to three weeks and lose quite a lot of body weight during each shift. The chick hatches after about 78 days, which includes three days for the chick to break out of the shell.

The parents brood their chick for a short time and it is fed daily for the first 20 days with regurgitated squid, etc. Then the parents leave their offspring alone while they go out to sea and return every 10 days or so to feed it with huge meals. At this stage, the chick may be vulnerable to predators such as skuas, who will eat both eggs and chicks if left unguarded. The large, fluffy white chick continues to sit in its nest and is fed throughout the whole of the severe southern winter, until the following summer - a period of nearly nine months. As a result, the parents can only breed every other year. Eventually the young albatross launches itself into the wind and glides away over the ocean. It may circle the globe many times before returning to the breeding ground to look for a mate.

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Waved Albatross

At a Glance

• Scientific Name: Phoebastria irrorata
• Population: 50,000 – 70,000 individuals
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
• Trend:  Decreasing
• Habitat: Open ocean for foraging; for nesting, sparse vegetation on lava fields with scattered boulders

Waved Albatross map by NatureServe

While the Waved Albatross spends plenty of time riding air currents over the waves, its name actually derives from the wave-like pattern on this bird's brown body plumage. Like all members of the albatross family, including the Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses , this superlative glider spends most of its life over the open ocean.

Also known as the Galápagos Albatross, the Waved Albatross has a seven- to eight-foot wingspan. Although it's the largest bird in the Galápagos, this species is just medium-sized for an albatross; the largest, the Wandering Albatross, has a wingspan of up to 12 feet!

A Change in Latitude

Birders who wish to add Waved Albatross to their life lists must travel south of the equator to Ecuador, the only place on Earth where this species breeds. Most Waved Albatrosses breed on Española Island in the Galápagos archipelago, but a smaller breeding colony can also be found on Isla de la Plata, 17 miles off the Ecuadorian coast.

Adult Waved Albatrosses winter at sea off the west coasts of Ecuador and Peru, where they may congregate in large groups. It is the only albatross species that lives its entire life within tropical latitudes.

Dashing Displays

Like other large birds, such as the Trumpeter Swan and Whooping Crane , Waved Albatross pairs mate for life. While they may winter apart, the birds meet again, year after year, on their familiar breeding grounds.

A fascinating mating ritual helps to strengthen pair bonds: Male and female face each other, large yellow bills touching, then stroke and tap their bills together, making a hollow sound. This "bill-circling" behavior is interspersed with bowing, bill-clattering, and sky-pointing, accompanied by a cacophony of hooting, honking, and whistling sounds.

Listen to the sounds of a Waved Albatross colony here:

• Waved Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata)

(Audio: Scott Olmstead, XC24276. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/24276 )

After mating, the female lays a single egg on bare, rocky ground, preferring areas where vegetation is trimmed short by grazing giant tortoises. On Española Island, where the native tortoises were almost wiped out by humans, vegetation grows more thickly and sometimes entangles Waved Albatross chicks. Ongoing conservation efforts are slowly returning the island to a healthier state, and more than 1,500 giant tortoises roam the island now.

Sharing the Load

The male and female share egg incubation duties over a two-month wait, then take turns foraging at sea to feed their chick. But at several weeks old, the young bird is mature enough to be left unguarded. Groups of chicks wait while parents fly to sea together and eventually return with stomachs full of food: a pre-digested, nutrient-rich oily liquid perfect for young albatrosses. This liquid can remain in the parent's stomach for a long period of time, enabling the adults to forage less frequently.

Waved Albatross coming in for a landing. Photo by Don Mammoser

Chicks start attempting to fly about five and a half months after hatching. In one of the most incredible aspects of albatrosses' lives, the fully fledged young birds will spend up to six years at sea before returning to land to find a partner. They will then return to breed each year of their long lives of up to 45 years.

Squid Snatching

Waved Albatrosses often feed at night when squid, their favored food, swim closer to the ocean's surface. The birds also eat fish, often scavenging near fishing boats, and a variety of marine invertebrates.

Like the Great Frigatebird , the Waved Albatross practices kleptoparasitism, stealing food from other birds such as Blue-footed Boobies. It's the only albatross known to regularly use this technique.

Save the Waved

Fisheries pose one of the biggest threats to the Waved Albatross and other seabirds such as the Pink-footed Shearwater . Longline fishing is a particular problem, attracting seabirds to hooked bait intended for fish. Each year, thousands of seabirds are accidentally caught on the hooks, pulled underwater, and drowned.

Climate change , which is warming the ocean currents that sustain seabird food sources in the waters off South America, also poses a major threat to the Waved Albatross. Scarce food sources make it even more likely that these birds may consume plastic floating on the ocean's surface, with disastrous results .

ABC's Seabirds Program works with partners to reduce these threats to the Waved Albatross and other seabirds through a combination of direct action, outreach, and policy work. Since 2008, ABC has worked in the artisanal longline fisheries of southwestern Ecuador to understand how Waved Albatrosses and other species interact with fishing gear — and how fishing practices can be modified to reduce accidental bycatch. ABC and collaborators at Humane Society International developed the NISURI Fastset system and standardized line weighting that enable fishers to set lines faster while virtually eliminating bycatch.

In Peru, we worked with the NGO ProDelphinus to eliminate the international capture of Waved Albatrosses for human consumption. We continue to urge the United States to support legislation to ratify the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) . In addition, our interactive web-based tool , available free of charge, helps fisheries avoid accidentally catching seabirds.

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