Wandering Albatross
NameWandering Albatross
Common NameWandering Albatross
Scientific NameDiomedea exulans
FamilyDiomedeidae
Wingspan (cm)310
Length (cm)120
Weight (g)8500
Plumage DetailsAdult males are almost entirely white with black primary tips and a small amount of black on the trailing edge of the wings. Females and younger birds exhibit more extensive black markings on the wings and sometimes a dusky crown. The large, prominent bill is pale pinkish-white.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, but produces grunts, gurgles, hisses, and bill-clapping sounds at breeding colonies or when competing for food.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatspelagic, subantarctic islands
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeCircumpolar in the Southern Ocean, breeding on remote subantarctic islands such as South Georgia, Prince Edward Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, and Macquarie Island.
Identifying FeaturesLargest wingspan of any bird, Predominantly white body with dark wingtips/trailing edges (especially adults), Large, pale pinkish bill with prominent nostril tubes, Graceful, soaring flight over open ocean
Description
The Wandering Albatross is one of the largest flying birds, renowned for its immense wingspan and graceful, effortless flight over the open ocean. Adults are predominantly white with dark markings on their wings, spending most of their lives at sea and only returning to land to breed.
