Albatross

About

Albatrosses are a family of large to very large seabirds, renowned for their exceptional soaring abilities and long-distance oceanic migrations. They are characterized by their long, narrow wings, large hooked bills, and tubular nostrils. Comprising four genera and 22 species, they are primarily found in the Southern Ocean and North Pacific.

Size & lifespan

Length

80-140 cm (31-55 in)

Wingspan

180-370 cm (71-146 in)

Weight

2.5-12 kg (5.5-26.5 lbs)

Lifespan

Up to 60 years or more in the wild (e.g., Laysan Albatross 'Wisdom' is over 70 years old)

Diet

Carnivore (primarily cephalopods, fish, crustaceans, and carrion)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Generally white body plumage with varying amounts of dark (brown/black) on the wings and back. Some species, like the Black-browed Albatross, have distinct dark 'eyebrows'. The extent of dark plumage often decreases with age in many species.

Beak shape

Large, strong, and hooked bill, typically pale yellow, pink, or grey, with prominent tubular nostrils on the sides of the upper mandible. The bill is covered in horny plates.

Eye color

Dark brown, often appearing black.

Leg color

Pale blue, grey, or pinkish, with webbed feet.

Distinguishing features

Extremely long, narrow wings adapted for dynamic soaring; large, powerful, hooked bill with external tubular nostrils; webbed feet; often a distinctive 'eyebrow' or facial pattern in some species.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles often have more extensive dark plumage than adults, particularly on the head, neck, and wings. They may take several years (5-10 years) to acquire full adult plumage, undergoing gradual changes with each molt.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage changes are primarily age-related, with birds gradually becoming whiter as they mature.

Sexual dimorphism

Generally minimal, with males often slightly larger than females, but plumage differences are usually subtle or absent. In some species, males may have slightly whiter plumage on the head or body.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Wingspan

   Albatrosses are among the largest flying birds, with immense wingspans (up to 3.7 meters). If you see a truly massive seabird with incredibly long, narrow wings, it's likely an albatross.

2. 2

   Flight Style

   Observe their flight. Albatrosses are master soarers, gliding effortlessly for long periods with minimal wing flapping, often appearing to 'lock' their wings. They utilize dynamic soaring, riding wind currents over waves.

3. 3

   Bill Structure

   Look for the distinctive large, strong, hooked bill with prominent tubular nostrils on the sides of the upper mandible. The bill often appears pale or yellowish.

4. 4

   Plumage Pattern

   Most species have a white body with dark upperwings and back. Note the extent of dark on the wings and any specific facial markings (e.g., 'eyebrows') as these vary between species and age classes.

5. 5

   Habitat

   Albatrosses are strictly oceanic birds, rarely seen from land except at their breeding colonies. If you are far out at sea, especially in the Southern Ocean or North Pacific, the chances of encountering an albatross are higher.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Pelagic (open ocean), coastal waters during breeding season.

Geographic range

Predominantly Southern Ocean (circumpolar distribution) and North Pacific Ocean. Some species range into tropical waters.

Elevation range

Sea level to several hundred meters above sea level when soaring over land near breeding colonies.

Preferred environments

Open ocean, particularly areas with strong winds for efficient soaring. They only come to land for breeding, typically on remote oceanic islands or isolated coastal cliffs.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, though they may feed at night, especially on bioluminescent squid attracted to the surface.

Feeding habits

Surface feeders, often scavenging on carrion (e.g., dead squid, fish) or preying on live squid, fish, and crustaceans. They may follow fishing vessels to feed on discards. Some species can dive shallowly to catch prey.

Social behavior

Highly colonial breeders, forming large, dense colonies on remote islands. Outside the breeding season, they are largely solitary or found in loose aggregations at rich feeding grounds.

Flight pattern

Masterful dynamic soarers, utilizing wind currents and wave updrafts to glide effortlessly for vast distances with minimal wing flapping. They have a characteristic stiff-winged flight, often appearing to 'lock' their wings.

Migration pattern

Highly migratory, undertaking extensive circumpolar or trans-oceanic movements outside the breeding season. Many species travel thousands of kilometers, often following prevailing winds. Some species are more sedentary around their breeding grounds.

Territoriality

Highly territorial around their nest sites within breeding colonies, defending a small area immediately surrounding the nest. They are not territorial at sea.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies by species and location, but generally annual or biennial, with a long breeding cycle (e.g., October-June in the Southern Ocean).

Nesting habits

Colonial nesters, building large, often conical nests of mud, grass, and feathers on remote, predator-free oceanic islands or coastal cliffs. Some species nest in burrows.

Clutch size

1 egg

Egg description

Typically a single, large, white egg, sometimes with reddish-brown speckles at the larger end.

Incubation period

Approximately 65-80 days, shared by both parents.

Fledging period

Very long, ranging from 120 to 280 days, depending on the species. Chicks are fed by both parents until they fledge.

Parental care

Both parents share incubation duties and chick-rearing. Parental care is extensive and prolonged due to the large size of the chick and the need for significant food provisioning.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Go on a Pelagic Trip. The most reliable way to see albatrosses is to join a dedicated pelagic birdwatching tour that ventures far offshore into their oceanic habitat.
2. Visit Breeding Colonies (with caution). If possible, visit islands with breeding colonies, but always respect wildlife regulations and maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Many colonies are in remote, protected areas.
3. Observe Flight Patterns. Learn to recognize their characteristic effortless, stiff-winged soaring flight, which distinguishes them from other large seabirds.
4. Study Species-Specific Markings. Given the number of albatross species, familiarize yourself with the subtle plumage differences, bill coloration, and facial patterns of the species likely to be found in your target region.

Similar species

Quick facts

Largest Wingspan:

Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans) has the largest wingspan of any living bird, up to 3.7 meters (12 feet).

Longest-Lived Wild Bird:

The Laysan Albatross 'Wisdom' is the oldest known wild bird, over 70 years old and still breeding.

Feeding Strategy:

Primarily surface feeders, but some species can dive to shallow depths.

Breeding Cycle:

Many species have a biennial breeding cycle due to the long incubation and fledging periods.

Conservation Threat:

Bycatch in longline fisheries is the primary threat to albatross populations worldwide.

Fun facts

• Albatrosses can sleep while flying, gliding for hours without flapping their wings.
• They have a specialized shoulder joint that allows them to 'lock' their wings in an extended position, reducing muscle effort during long flights.
• Some albatross species can circumnavigate the globe in a single year outside of the breeding season.
• The word 'albatross' comes from the Arabic 'al-qādūs' (a water wheel or bucket), which became 'alcatraz' in Portuguese, referring to a large seabird, and eventually 'albatross' in English.
• Albatrosses form strong pair bonds that can last for decades, often performing elaborate courtship dances.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Procellariiformes

Family

Diomedeidae

Genus

Diomedea, Thalassarche, Phoebetria, Phoebastria

Species

22 recognized species across four genera

Explore the Albatross