Wandering Albatross

Image from: John Gould (1804-81) The birds of Australia 1840-48. 7 vols. 600 plates Artists: J. Gould and E. Gould; Lithographer: E. Gould.

Wandering Albatross Photo: Norman Chaffer Estate/Nature Focus © Australian Museum

Albatross flying Photo: Nature Focus © Australian Museum

Wandering Albatross egg © Australian Museum

Diomedea exulans

Description

The Wandering Albatross is the largest of the albatrosses and is the living bird with the greatest wingspan, measuring almost 3.5 m. The body length is up to 1.35 m, with females slightly smaller than males.The adult Wandering Albatross appears entirely white from a distance. Close up, the fine black wavy lines on the breast, neck and upper back become visible. The bill can vary in colour, but is normally yellowish-pink. The white tail is occasionally tipped with black and the back of the wing changes from black to white with age. A series of plumage phases are passed through as young birds reach full adult plumage, which can take up to nine years. During these changes identification can be difficult, and birds may be confused with other large albatrosses with similar colourings.

Distribution and Habitat

The Wandering Albatross visits Australian waters from Fremantle, Western Australia to northern New South Wales between June and September each year. At other times birds roam the southern oceans and commonly follow fishing boats for several days. They spend most of their life in flight, landing only to breed and feed. Distances travelled each year are hard to measure, but one banded bird was recorded travelling 6000 km in twelve days.

Food and feeding

Birds are often seen scavenging scraps from fishing boats, but squid and fish are the preferred food. Galley refuse and floating waste also form part of the diet. Feeding is one of the few times that birds land, and this is mostly undertaken at night.

Breeding

Pairs mate for life and breed every two years. Breeding takes place on subantarctic islands and commences in early November. The nest is a mound of mud and vegetation, and is placed on an exposed ridge near the sea. The single egg hatches after two months and the chick remains in the nest for approximately nine months. During the early stages of the chick's development, the parents take turns to sit on the nest while the other searches for food. Later, both adults hunt for food and visit the chick at irregular intervals.

References

• Lindsey, T.R. 1986. The Seabirds of Australia. Angus and Robertson/National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
• Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds) 1993. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol 2. Oxford University Press, Sydney.
• Parmelee, D.F. 1980. Bird Island in Antarctic Waters. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis.