Wandering Albatross: where and when to see them

The wandering albatross is one of the world's largest flying birds, using exceptionally long wings to cross immense stretches of the Southern Ocean. It breeds on subantarctic islands rather than the Antarctic mainland. Adults become progressively whiter with age, while younger birds can look extensively brown. Slow reproduction and deaths associated with fishing gear make population recovery difficult, even when breeding colonies receive strong protection on their remote island homes.

Size

1.1–1.35 m body length; 2.5–3.5 m wingspan

Weight

6–12 kg

Lifespan

40–60 years

Status

Vulnerable

Wandering albatrosses harvest energy from winds above ocean waves, alternating sweeping climbs and descents with very little flapping. They range widely between scattered feeding opportunities and may follow vessels at a distance. On breeding islands, established pairs perform elaborate displays involving wing spreading, bill movements and calls. Raising one chick takes so long that successful adults usually skip the following breeding season before attempting to reproduce again with their partner. Wandering albatrosses harvest energy from winds above ocean waves, alternating sweeping climbs and descents with very little flapping. They range widely between scattered feeding opportunities and may follow vessels at a distance. On breeding islands, established pairs perform elaborate displays involving wing spreading, bill movements and calls. Raising one chick takes so long that successful adults usually skip the following breeding season before attempting to reproduce again with their partner. They are monogamous and mate for life, with pairs returning to the same nest site annually. Their incredible efficiency in flight allows them to circumnavigate the globe in just a few weeks.

• It has one of the largest wingspans of any living bird.
• A shoulder-locking mechanism helps support extended wings during gliding.
• Successful pairs normally breed only every other year.
• Juveniles spend several years at sea before returning to breeding colonies.

November to March is the usual Antarctic expedition travel window and offers opportunities for distant deck observation on Southern Ocean crossings. Wandering albatrosses occur at sea throughout the year, however, and route, wind and latitude influence encounters more than the continental visitor season. November to March is the usual Antarctic expedition travel window and offers opportunities for distant deck observation on Southern Ocean crossings. Wandering albatrosses occur at sea throughout the year, however, and route, wind and latitude influence encounters more than the continental visitor season. While less common closer to the Antarctic continent, they are frequently seen in the Drake Passage and Scotia Sea during these months. Young, non-breeding birds may be found further north during the breeding season.

This is an oceanic bird of windy Southern Ocean waters, especially subantarctic and adjacent temperate zones. Breeding requires open, generally grassy terrain on isolated islands. Along Antarctic travel routes, birds are more likely over offshore passages than beside continental ice shores. This is an oceanic bird of windy Southern Ocean waters, especially subantarctic and adjacent temperate zones. Breeding requires open, generally grassy terrain on isolated islands. Along Antarctic travel routes, birds are more likely over offshore passages than beside continental ice shores. They are circumpolar in distribution, occurring across the Southern Hemisphere from 30° to 60°S. Breeding colonies are typically found on remote islands such as South Georgia, Prince Edward Island, and Crozet Islands.

Squid, fish and carrion form much of the diet, collected mainly at or near the sea surface. Birds may also consume fishery waste. Their attraction to baited hooks creates a serious bycatch risk, particularly where effective mitigation measures are absent. Squid, fish and carrion form much of the diet, collected mainly at or near the sea surface. Birds may also consume fishery waste. Their attraction to baited hooks creates a serious bycatch risk, particularly where effective mitigation measures are absent. They locate prey visually or by olfaction, often following cetaceans or fishing vessels to exploit discards. These birds are known to travel vast distances in search of food, covering thousands of kilometers between meals.

Common name

Wandering Albatross

Scientific name

Diomedea exulans

Animal group

Birds

Size

1.1–1.35 m body length; 2.5–3.5 m wingspan

Weight

6–12 kg

Lifespan

40–60 years

Status

Vulnerable

Identification

Its immense wings and age-dependent white plumage suggest a wandering albatross, but separating it from other wandering-type great albatrosses often requires range, age and detailed plumage assessment. Its immense wings and age-dependent white plumage suggest a wandering albatross, but separating it from other wandering-type great albatrosses often requires range, age and detailed plumage assessment. Adults are almost entirely white with black wingtips and a small black line on the trailing edge of the wing. Juveniles are initially chocolate brown, gradually becoming whiter over many years through successive molts, making age a critical factor in identification.