Diomedea exulans
The Snowy Albatross, also widely known as the Wandering Albatross, is a magnificent pelagic seabird renowned for having the largest wingspan of any living bird, stretching an astonishing 2.5 to 3.5 meters (8.2 to 11.5 feet). Adults can weigh between 6 and 12 kilograms (13 to 26 pounds). Adult males are particularly striking, boasting nearly all-white plumage on their body, head, and upperwings, contrasted sharply by black primary wingtips. Their large, robust bill is a distinctive pinkish-hor...
The Snowy Albatross is a truly pelagic species, spending over 90% of its life soaring over the open ocean of the Southern Hemisphere, only returning to remote subantarctic islands for breeding.
Primarily feeding on cephalopods (squid) and fish, the Snowy Albatross also consumes crustaceans and carrion, typically foraging by seizing prey from the ocean surface or through shallow dives.
This albatross is primarily diurnal, spending its days tirelessly gliding over vast ocean expanses, often covering thousands of kilometers in a single foraging trip. It employs highly efficient dynamic soaring, utilizing wind gradients above the waves to minimize energy expenditure, rarely flappi...
The Snowy Albatross breeds exclusively on remote subantarctic islands situated within the Southern Ocean. Major breeding colonies are found on islands such as South Georgia, Prince Edward Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, and Macquarie Island. Outside the breeding season, and for non-br...
Vulnerable
- The Snowy Albatross boasts the largest wingspan of any living bird, averaging over 3 meters (10 feet), allowing it to glide effortlessly for thousands of miles. - They are incredibly long-lived, with individuals known to live for over 60 years in the wild, with one recorded individual reaching ...