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Albatrosses

Albatrosses are large seabirds belonging to the Diomedeidae family, primarily roaming the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific, with a notable absence in the North Atlantic. They are among the largest flying birds, some with wingspans reaching up to 3.7 meters. There's some discussion over how many species of albatross exist, with 21 being the commonly accepted number divided into four genera. Admirable fliers, they utilize wind currents for dynamic and slope soaring to travel vast distances with minimal energy. Albatrosses have a varied diet consisting mainly of squid, fish, and krill, using methods such as scavenging and surface seizing. They are colonial nesters on remote islands, with elaborate mating dances forming long-term pair bonds. Breeding is a lengthy process, with a single egg laid per attempt and a cycle that can span over a year. Unfortunately, 21 of the 22 recognized species face some level of conservation concern, primarily due to threats like longline fishing, introduced predators, pollution, and overfishing. Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, is noteworthy as the oldest-known wild bird, first banded in 1956. Albatross taxonomy is complex, with their classification having history of much debate, and their morphology is adapted for soaring flight. They prefer windy areas near the sea for nesting and have a slow life history, often living over 50 years and breeding infrequently. Conservation efforts focus on reducing bycatch in fisheries, protecting breeding grounds, and managing invasive species to improve the survival prospects of these impressive birds.

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A photo of a Antipodean Albatross (Diomedea antipodensis)

Antipodean Albatross

Diomedea antipodensis
A photo of a Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos)

Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross

Thalassarche chlororhynchos
A photo of a Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris)

Black-browed Albatross

Thalassarche melanophris
A photo of a Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes)

Black-footed Albatross

Phoebastria nigripes
A photo of a Buller's Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri)

Buller's Albatross

Thalassarche bulleri
A photo of a Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche impavida)

Campbell Albatross

Thalassarche impavida
A photo of a Chatham Albatross (Thalassarche eremita)

Chatham Albatross

Thalassarche eremita
A photo of a Grey-headed Albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma)

Grey-headed Albatross

Thalassarche chrysostoma
A photo of a Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche carteri)

Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross

Thalassarche carteri
A photo of a Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis)

Laysan Albatross

Phoebastria immutabilis
A photo of a Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata)

Light-mantled Albatross

Phoebetria palpebrata
A photo of a Northern Royal Albatross (Diomedea sanfordi)

Northern Royal Albatross

Diomedea sanfordi
A photo of a Salvin's Albatross (Thalassarche salvini)

Salvin's Albatross

Thalassarche salvini
A photo of a Short-tailed Albatross (Phoebastria albatrus)

Short-tailed Albatross

Phoebastria albatrus
A photo of a Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta)

Shy Albatross

Thalassarche cauta
A photo of a Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta)

Shy Albatross

Thalassarche cauta
A photo of a Sooty Albatross (Phoebetria fusca)

Sooty Albatross

Phoebetria fusca
A photo of a Southern Royal Albatross (Diomedea epomophora)

Southern Royal Albatross

Diomedea epomophora
A photo of a Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans)

Wandering Albatross

Diomedea exulans
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