Albatros

Albatross, sometimes spelled albatros in several languages, refers to large seabirds in the family Diomedeidae, within the order Procellariiformes. The group comprises about 22 recognized species across several genera, including Diomedea, Phoebastria, and Thalassarche. They are among the largest flying birds and are known for long wings and efficient, energy-saving flight.

Albatrosses are built for life at sea. They have long, narrow wings adapted for dynamic soaring and gliding over vast ocean distances. Wingspans vary by species; the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) can reach about 3.5 meters, while smaller species have proportionally shorter wings. They possess tubular nostrils on their beaks for salt excretion and a sturdy bill suitable for grasping prey.

Distribution and behavior: Most species spend much of their lives over the open ocean, primarily in the Southern Ocean, with some in the North Pacific. They breed in colonies on remote subantarctic and temperate islands. Many form long-term pair bonds and typically rear a single chick each year or every other year, depending on the species and conditions.

Diet and foraging: Albatrosses feed mainly on squid, fish, and krill. They are known to pursue prey by surface seizing, free-ranging pursuit, or following ships and other seabirds to scavenge offal. Some species undertake extensive migrations between hemispheres.

Conservation: Numerous albatross species are threatened by bycatch in longline fisheries, plastic pollution, and introduced predators on breeding islands. Conservation efforts include bycatch mitigation, habitat protection, and invasive-species control, with some populations showing recovery while others remain at risk. Notable species include the wandering albatross, royal albatross, black-browed albatross, Laysan albatross, and the endangered short-tailed albatross.