Wandering Albatross
NameWandering Albatross
Common NameWandering Albatross
Scientific NameDiomedea exulans
FamilyDiomedeidae
Wingspan (cm)310
Length (cm)118
Weight (g)8500
Plumage DetailsAdults are predominantly white with black primary feathers and wingtips, and a pale pinkish bill. Juveniles, like the one pictured, are dark brown with a white face and underwing, gradually lightening to adult plumage over several years.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, but on breeding grounds, they produce a variety of grunts, gurgles, hisses, and bill-clapping sounds during courtship and territorial interactions.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatspelagic, islands
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeCircumpolar in the Southern Ocean, ranging from the Antarctic ice edge north to approximately 30°S. Breeding occurs on remote subantarctic islands such as South Georgia, Crozet, Kerguelen, Prince Edward, and Macquarie.
Identifying FeaturesLargest wingspan of any living bird, Massive body size, Long, narrow wings for efficient gliding, Pale pinkish bill (with a dark tip in adults), Adults mostly white with black wingtips, Juveniles dark brown with white face
Description
The Wandering Albatross is one of the largest flying birds, renowned for its immense wingspan and pelagic lifestyle. It spends most of its life soaring over the open ocean, only returning to remote subantarctic islands to breed.
