Wandering albatross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wandering albatross |
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Diomedea
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| Diomedea exulans (Linnaeus, 1758)
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The wandering albatross is a very large seabird. It belongs to the albatross family. People also call it the snowy albatross or white-winged albatross. It is the biggest type of "great albatross." It has the largest wingspan of any bird alive today. Its wings can spread up to 11.5 feet (3.50 meters) wide! The IUCN says this bird is a vulnerable species. This means it is at risk of becoming extinct.
Life and Habits
Wandering albatrosses live together when they breed. They do this once every two years. They are monogamous, which means they usually stay with the same mate for their whole lives. These amazing birds can live for over 50 years! It's very rare for adult albatrosses to die each year, only about 5 to 7%. This is a very low number for birds.
How They Communicate
Wandering albatrosses make many different sounds. They can scream, whistle, grunt, and clap their bills together. When they are looking for a mate, they perform a special dance. They spread their wings, wave their heads, and tap their bills together.
What They Eat
These birds hunt for food at night. They mostly eat cephalopods, which are sea animals like squid and octopus. They also eat small fish and crustaceans, which are like crabs and shrimp.
Images for kids
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In flight
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Wandering albatrosses have the longest wingspan of any living bird.
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Wandering albatross at South Georgia Island
See also
In Spanish: Albatros errante para niños
