Both the wandering albatross and the royal albatross are the most oceanic of seabirds. They are both huge, with long, narrow wings spanning more than 3 meters. The wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any bird, and is named so, because it is a great traveler. It sometimes spends several months in the air, without ever touching land. The wandering albatross has a long hooked bill, large webbed feet, and its weight ranges from 8 to 12 kg (the female weighs less). They use the winds to search for food and to return to their nesting islands. Nearly all species of Albatross live in the southern oceans, which are the windiest oceans, but the wandering albatross can still live up to 80 years of age. They feed mainly on squid, octopus, cuttlefish and crustaceans. The wandering albatross doesn’t start breeding until it is at least seven years old. At the beginning of the breeding season, which lasts from November to July, many males may be seen around one female. Once the female has found a suitable partner, which may take a few years, they will remain together until one of them dies. After the female laid one egg, it takes about 78 days for the chick to hatch. After a period of about nine months, its parents won’t take care of it anymore. That is when it takes off, circling the globe many times before returning to the breeding ground to look for a partner.

Geographic Distribution