The great albatrosses are seabirds in the genus Diomedea in the albatross family. The genus Diomedea formerly included all albatrosses except the sooty albatrosses, but in 1996 the genus was split with the mollymawks and the North Pacific albatrosses both being elevated to separate genera.
The great albatrosses themselves form two species complexes, the wandering and Amsterdam albatrosses, and the royal albatrosses. The splitting of the great albatrosses into six or seven species has been accepted by most, though not all authorities.
Description
The Wandering Albatross and the Southern Royal Albatross are the largest of the albatrosses and are amongst the largest of flying birds. They have the largest wingspans of any bird; being up to 3.5 m (11 ft) from tip to tip, although the average is a little over 3 m (9.8 ft). Large adult males of these two species may exceed 11 kg (24 lb) in weight, as heavy as a large swan.
The great albatross are predominantly white in plumage as adults, with birds becoming whiter as they age. The two Royal Albatrosses at all ages and the larger, older male Wandering Albatrosses are totally white-bodied, while adult females and younger animals of the other species have dark penciling marks on the edges of their feathers.
Generally, the smaller species or subspecies and the juveniles have a dark brown color. The recently discovered Amsterdam Albatross retains the dark brown plumage of juvenile birds into adulthood.
Habitat & Range:
The Great albatross range across the Southern Ocean, and nest (for the most part) on isolated oceanic islands. The wandering albatrosses nest on islands around the Southern Ocean, from the Atlantic Ocean (South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha) to the Indian Ocean and New Zealand‘s sub-Antarctic islands. The royal albatrosses nest only on New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands, with one unusual colony on New Zealand’s Otago Peninsula.
The Southern Ocean is the primary habitat of the Great Albatross, but their range extends to the Southern Hemisphere from sub-Antarctic areas to temperate waters. They spend most of their life on the ocean. Nesting on islands and cliffs that are isolated from predators is a safe place for these birds. The islands off the coasts South Georgia, Falkland Island, and other islands in the Indian Ocean are ideal nesting areas with lots of space and little human disturbance.
The Great Albatross is a migratory bird that travels vast distances in search of food. The birds follow very specific migration routes and often travel thousands of kilometers away from their breeding areas in search of plentiful feeding areas. The wandering albatross is known for making one of the longest, non-stop flights by any bird. It travels between nesting grounds and feeding grounds in the Southern Ocean.
Great albatrosses are often found in diverse oceanic environments due to their extensive migration habits. One of their most impressive features is the ability to navigate vast distances precisely. They glide for long periods of time, relying on oceanic updrafts and wind currents.
Systematics and evolution
Genus Diomedea – Great albatrosses
- Diomedea epomophora, Southern Royal Albatross
- Diomedea sanfordi, Northern Royal Albatross
- Diomedea exulans, Wandering Albatross
- Diomedea antipodensis, Antipodean Albatross
- Diomedea antipodensis gibsoni, Gibson’s Albatross
- Diomedea dabbenena, Tristan Albatross
- Diomedea amsterdamensis, Amsterdam Albatross
The earliest known fossils of the genus are from the Middle Miocene, about 12-15 mya. By that time, the genera Phoebastria and Diomedea had already diverged.
Fossil species According to eBird, this species is well documented.
- Diomedea milleri (Round Mountain Silt Middle Miocene of Sharktooth Hill and possibly Astoria Middle Miocene of Oregon, USA)
- Diomedea sp. (Late Miocene of Valdez Peninsula, Antarctica)
- Diomedea sp. (Early Pliocene of South Africa)
- Diomedea sp. (Early Pliocene of Bone Valley, Florida)
- Diomedea thyridata Wilkinson, 1969 (Upper Miocene, Beaumaris Bay Fossil Site, Australia)
At least 4 species were found in the Early Pliocene deposits of Lee Creek Mine, North Carolina. These may in part be identical with the forms mentioned above. Assignment of the undescribed taxa to Diomedea is tentative since most of them were discovered before the splitting of this genus. Especially the Southern Hemisphere species probably belong to other genera. According to Audubon Society, this species is well documented.
Etymology
Diomedea comes from the Greek hero Diomedes, who, legend has it, was driven by a storm to Italy and was stranded with his companions who were turned to birds.
Diet & Feeding:
The Great Albatross is a carnivorous bird that feeds mainly on squids, fish and other marine organisms. The great albatrosses are opportunistic eaters who take advantage of oceanic food resources. Albatrosses feed on many different prey items, such as fish brought to the surface of the ocean by the wind and caught by fishing boats.
Their feeding behaviour is adapted for life on the open ocean. Albatrosses can catch their prey in flight by using their sharp beaks. They use these to grab fish and squid at the surface of the ocean. Foraging can also be done by diving deep into the ocean and retrieving food from deeper levels. They prefer to hunt prey close to the surface. This is often done by following schools of fish, or by using their keen eye to spot food sources in the air.
Great albatrosses are known to follow fishing vessels and take advantage of the discarded fish or other bycatch. In certain areas, this behavior has led to a dependence on human activity. They are able to find natural food in the ocean.
Reproduction & Nesting
The great albatross is known for its monogamous and long-lasting relationships. Once they reach sexual maturation, which may take years, they form pairs with one mate. The pair bond can last a lifetime, and both parents share the responsibility for raising their young. The complex courtship rituals of albatrosses include elaborate dances and calls as well as synchronized movements.
Incubation of the egg by both parents is done in turns for several months. The incubation period can range from 70 to even 80 days depending on the species. This is one of the longest periods for any bird. Parents carefully guard the egg against predators and elements. Once the chick hatches both parents care for the chick, feeding it regurgitated foods until it can fend for themselves.
The chick will start to fly solo over the ocean after it has fledged. This may take a few months or even an entire year. Young albatrosses spend the majority of their life at sea and only return to land for breeding. Great albatrosses are vulnerable to population decreases due to their long life cycles and low reproduction rates.
Conservation Status & Threats
Although great albatrosses do not fall under the “endangered” category, they are still facing a number significant threats which have led to declines among some species. Loss of nesting habitats is the primary threat to their existence, especially on islands isolated from human activity. The loss of nesting habitats, as well as the introductions of rats and cats on nesting islands has contributed to the decline in albatross population.
Accidental capture by fishing gear is another major threat for albatrosses, especially longline fishing. While foraging for food these birds can become entangled with fishing lines or hooks, resulting in injury or death. Climate change also poses a serious threat to albatrosses, as it can disrupt their migration patterns and reduce breeding success.
The conservation efforts of great albatrosses are focused on protecting nesting sites, regulating fisheries to reduce bycatch and reducing the impact humans have on their breeding grounds. Many researchers and organizations are trying to spread awareness of the importance of conserving the incredible birds, and the ecosystems that they depend on.
Conclusion
Great albatrosses have huge wingspan, are known for long-distance flight, and their unique behavior. These seabirds play a vital role in the marine ecosystems by regulating the population of fish and squid. We will continue to learn about these amazing birds and it is important that we protect their habitats so that future generations may enjoy watching these birds glide effortlessly across the oceans.
