Wandering Albatross

1. Bird Name
Wandering Albatross
Scientific (Latin) Name: Diomedea exulans

2. Appearance
The Wandering Albatross is one marvelous avian species characterized by a blend of white, black and pink. It boasts a predominantly white body, with a sharp, pinkish beak, and dark black wingtips. The young of this species showcase more of a brown color, with their plumage brightening to a pure white as they mature. An important feature to note is its large, tube-like nostrils located on either side of its beak. The appearance is the same between males and females with little to no sexual dimorphism.

3. Size
The Wandering Albatross is one of the largest birds by wingspan, extending up to 11 feet (3.35 meters). Their average length, from beak to tail, is about 107 – 135 cm (42 – 53 inches). Weighing between 12-16 lbs (5.5-8kg), these birds are inarguably massive and magnificent.

4. Habitat & Distribution
True to their name, Wandering Albatrosses are feisty wanderers. They set their nests on remote subantarctic islands like South Georgia Island, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Prince Edward Islands, and Macquarie Island but are mostly found cruising around the stormy southern oceans. They prefer marine habitats, specifically coastal cliffs and islands, where they nest on steeply sloping terrains.

5. Interesting Facts
Uniquely, Wandering Albatrosses mate for life, demonstrating strong fidelity to their partners. Also, they are renowned for their long-distance flying abilities, with the ability to travel an astounding 120,000km in a year. In addition, their place in sailor lore and literature, like Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” is profound.

6. Diet
Wandering Albatrosses are opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes squid, small fish, krill, and scraps of offal, but they are particularly fond of cephalopods.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The Wandering Albatross displays a high degree of sophistication in their behaviors. It’s mating dance, involving preening, bill-fencing where they clap their beaks together, and sky-pointing, is mesmerizing to observe and lasts for several minutes. They are solitary while feeding at sea and communicate with a variety of guttural cries, moans, grunts, and whistles.

8. Conservation Status
The Wandering Albatross is listed as being vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The primary threats have been long-line fishing, where they are caught unintentionally, and climate changes affecting their marine habitats.

9. Lifespan
The Wandering Albatross has an impressive lifespan with them sometimes reaching the age of 50 years in the wild.

10. Additional Notes
This bird has achieved fame in many cultures due to its enormous size and extensive periods at sea. The Maori name for the bird is “Toroa”. In ecosystems, they play a significant role in controlling populations of squid and small fish. Despite their intimidating size, they show no aggression towards humans, making them an amazing spectacle for bird-lovers lucky enough to encounter them.