Fauna
Bird

Wandering Albatross

Diomedea exulans

Also 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
Wandering Albatross reference1 / 7
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySquid, 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
Classification
  1. FamilyDiomedeidae
  2. SpeciesDiomedea exulans
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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