Waved Albatross

The Waved Albatross, known also as the Galapagos Albatross, is a medium-sized member of the Diomedeidae family, with a length of 80 to 90 cm and a wingspan stretching between 220 and 250 cm. These birds are notable for their yellowish-cream neck and head, contrasting with their predominantly brownish bodies. Their most striking feature is the long, bright yellow bill, which appears rather large against their small head and slender neck. The upper parts and underparts are chestnut brown with fine barring, while the breast is whitish and the underwings are lighter. Their feet are a subtle blue hue.

Identification Tips

Adult Waved Albatrosses can be identified by their yellowish-cream head and neck, large yellow bill, and brown body with fine barring. The juveniles resemble adults but have more white on their heads, while chicks are covered in brown fluffy feathers. Observers should note the species' distinctive flight pattern and landing difficulties due to their high stalling speed.

Habitat

These albatrosses breed on the rocky terrain of Española Island, amidst boulders and sparse vegetation or dense brush. Outside the breeding season, they can be found along the coasts of Ecuador and Peru.

Distribution

The Waved Albatross is primarily found on Española Island in the Galápagos, with occasional sightings and potential small breeding populations on Genovesa Island and Isla de la Plata. During the non-breeding season, they reside along the Ecuadorian and Peruvian coasts and are sometimes seen in Colombia.

Behaviour

Waved Albatrosses are known for their impressive flying abilities, utilizing dynamic soaring to glide for hours. They can travel 10 to 100 km from their nesting sites to forage for food. Landing and taking off can be challenging due to their size and wing span, often requiring takeoff from cliffs.

Song & Calls

The courtship ritual of the Waved Albatross includes a series of sounds and movements, such as bill circling, bowing, beak clacking, and a distinctive "whoo hoo" sound produced with an upraised bill.

Breeding

Nesting occurs on Española Island, where the albatrosses engage in elaborate courtship displays. Eggs are laid between April and June and incubated for around two months. Chicks are reared in nurseries and fed up to 2 kg of oil by their parents. They reach adult size by December and depart the colony by January. Mating pairs remain together for life unless one partner perishes.

Similar Species

There are no similar species within the range of the Waved Albatross, making it unlikely to be confused with other birds.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Waved Albatross consists mainly of fish, squid, crustaceans, and occasionally smaller birds. They are also known to scavenge, including feeding on regurgitated food from other birds.

Conservation status

The Waved Albatross is currently classified as Critically Endangered. The population is estimated at around 34,700 adult birds, with a decline observed over recent years. Threats include bycatch from longline fishing, tourism disturbance, disease, and illegal fishing. Conservation efforts are in place, as the Galápagos is a protected national park and a World Heritage Site. However, the species' limited range and other pressures make it highly vulnerable to extinction.