An albatross aloft can be a spectacular sight. These feathered giants have the longest wingspan of any bird—up to 11 feet (3.4 meters). source
An albatross aloft can be a spectacular sight. These feathered giants have the longest wingspan of any bird—up to 11 feet (3.4 meters).
Body of albatross is covered with white, black, brown, red or yellow feathers. They were used for decoration of hats in the past. source
Body of albatross is covered with white, black, brown, red or yellow feathers. They were used for decoration of hats in the past.
Albatross has big head with strong, hooked beak. source
Albatross has big head with strong, hooked beak.
Albatross mainly eats slippery prey, beak has sharp blades on the side to prevent loss of the catch. source
Albatross mainly eats slippery prey, beak has sharp blades on the side to prevent loss of the catch.
Albatross has excellent eyesight and sense of smell. It can find the prey even in the dark. source
Albatross has excellent eyesight and sense of smell. It can find the prey even in the dark.
Albatross is diurnal animal (active during the day). source
Albatross is diurnal animal (active during the day).
Albatross searches for the prey from the sky. When potential target is detected, albatross rushes toward the water and dives to grab it. Albatross can also catch the prey located on the surface of the water. source
Albatross searches for the prey from the sky. When potential target is detected, albatross rushes toward the water and dives to grab it. Albatross can also catch the prey located on the surface of the water.
Albatross is highly proficient in the air. It usually flies by using strong wind currents. This method preserves the energy and ensures longer flights. Flight with the help of wind is known as dynamic soaring. source
Albatross is highly proficient in the air. It usually flies by using strong wind currents. This method preserves the energy and ensures longer flights. Flight with the help of wind is known as dynamic soaring.
Albatross can reach the speed of 40 miles per hour. It can fly long period of time without rest. source
Albatross can reach the speed of 40 miles per hour. It can fly long period of time without rest.
Albatross does not have a lot of natural enemies. Besides humans, main predator is tiger shark which hunts young birds that are learning to fly. source
Albatross does not have a lot of natural enemies. Besides humans, main predator is tiger shark which hunts young birds that are learning to fly.
Albatrosses will gather on the isolated and remote island for mating. source
Albatrosses will gather on the isolated and remote island for mating.
Albatrosses usually breed every 18 months. Certain species are monogamous. source
Albatrosses usually breed every 18 months. Certain species are monogamous.
Albatross has very long lifespan. It can survive up to 50 years in the wild. source
Albatross has very long lifespan. It can survive up to 50 years in the wild.
Depending on the species, young albatross will become independent at the age between 5 and 10 months. source
Depending on the species, young albatross will become independent at the age between 5 and 10 months.
Albatross will leave the ground and spend next 5 to 7 years on the ocean. After that period, it will return to the island to mate. source
Albatross will leave the ground and spend next 5 to 7 years on the ocean. After that period, it will return to the island to mate.