Wandering Albatross
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:JJ_Harrison" title="User:JJ Harrison">JJ Harrison</a> (<a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="https://tiny.jjharrison.com.au/t/fCEqOJC1cJUcoIOa">https://tiny.jjharrison.com.au/t/fCEqOJC1cJUcoIOa</a>) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameWandering Albatross
Common NameWandering Albatross
Scientific NameDiomedea exulans
FamilyDiomedeidae
Wingspan (cm)310
Length (cm)120
Weight (g)8700
Plumage DetailsAdults are mostly white, with black primary feathers and a black trailing edge on the upperwing. The underwings are white with a narrow dark leading edge and a dark tip. The head, body, and tail are pure white. The bill is large and pinkish, and the legs are pale pink. Juveniles are darker, gradually becoming whiter with age.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, but can produce a variety of grunts, gurgles, and hisses during breeding or feeding aggregations. They also engage in bill-clacking during courtship displays.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatspelagic, open ocean
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeCircumpolar in the Southern Ocean, ranging widely across the southern hemisphere. They breed on remote subantarctic islands such as South Georgia, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Prince Edward Islands, and Macquarie Island.
Identifying Featureslargest wingspan of any bird, predominantly white body (adults), dark primary feathers and trailing edge of wings, large pinkish bill, long, narrow wings adapted for dynamic soaring
Description
The Wandering Albatross is a magnificent seabird renowned for having the largest wingspan of any living bird, allowing it to glide effortlessly over vast oceanic distances. Adults are predominantly white with dark primary feathers and a distinctive pinkish bill, spending most of their lives at sea. They are highly pelagic, only returning to remote subantarctic islands to breed.
