Bird · GBIF taxon 5229302
Wandering Albatross
Diomedea exulansAlso known as Snowy Albatross, White-Winged Albatross, Goonie
Wandering albatrosses boast the longest wingspan of any living bird, allowing them to glide for thousands of kilometers across tempestuous southern seas without flapping a single feather. Pairs mate for life after complex courtships involving elaborate bowings, bill-clappering, and sky-pointing displays on remote sub-Antarctic islands. Single chicks take nearly a full year to fledge, leading adults to breed only every second year.
OceanicPelagicLong-winged
Licensed reference(c) M Rutherford, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Squid
- Fish
- Krill
Predators
- Southern giant petrel (chicks)
- Feral cat (chicks)
- House mouse (chicks)
ThreatsLongline fishing, plastic pollution, climate change, and introduced nest predators
HabitatsOpen ocean (pelagic) and remote sub-Antarctic islands
Life span50–60 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDiomedeidae
- SpeciesDiomedea exulans
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Nesting birds will defend territory with powerful bill strikes: maintain distance on breeding islands.
- What to notice
- Recognized by an enormous three-meter wingspan, largely white body, and bright pink bill.
- Support conservation
- Never approach nesting colonies without official permits and strictly observe biosecurity rules.
Responsible observation
- Pelagic Spotting: Scan the horizon behind ocean vessels where birds ride wind updrafts.
- Observe Distantly: Maintain strict buffers around nesting colonies on protected islands.
- Gale Watching: Look for them dynamic soaring during strong winds and turbulent oceanic conditions.
Competitor (c) Richard Giddins, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Oceanic Companion Close Relative Close Relative
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