Wandering Albatross : The largest flying bird

Have you wondered about the largest birds on the planet or "The largest bird" on the planet?. You are most probably thinking about the Ostrich or some of the eagles. Although the largest birds on earth are Ostriches obviously as most of you know already. But today's topic is about the the largest "flying" bird instead of simply largest bird. Today we are going to learn about the Wandering Albatross, covering everything that you need to know about along with various facts, figures, their lifestyle and much more. so let's go.

Diomedea exulans (Wandering Albatross)

General info

Wandering Albatross is one of the 22 albatross species found on the planet and are the largest among them. These are large sized migratory carnivore birds which are mainly found in the Southern Hemisphere regions like Antarctica, South Africa, Australia and South America. These birds were first studied and described by a Swedish botanist named Mr. Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Although the exact number is not known, their total population is estimated to be around 20,100 to 26,000. They are currently on the spot of "Vulnerable" on the IUCN red list.

They are known for their large wingspan (which is the largest among all the birds and their ability to travel great distances of around 500 miles (804.672 Km) per day and can fly non stop for almost 46 days. Some research studies also mentions that they are found to take a nap while flying (or "gliding", to be more precise). Their life span is around 50 years but can also live up to 60 years depending upon the conditions..

Physical Characteristics

Wandering albatrosses are large sea birds. They have a white colored body and head with dark or light black wings. Speaking of wings, they have the widest wingspans as compared to any bird which ranges from 8.2 to 11.48 ft (2.5 to 3.5 meters), although the average wingspan is 9.84 to 10.17 ft (3 to 3.1 meters) depending upon the areas where they are found. The largest wingspan ever recorded was around 12.14 ft (3.7 meters). The large wingspans grants them the ability to remain in the air for long time through gliding instead of flapping their wings.

As for their size, Their body varies from 11.81 to 14.76 ft (3.6 to 4.5 meters) depending upon their genders as females are slightly smaller as compared to the males.

Their weights are different, depending on the place where they live. But seeing all of them overall we can say that their weight varies from 13 to 26.23 pounds (5.9 to 11.9 Kg) where the average is around 15.43 to 19.84 pounds (7 to 9 Kg).  

Behavior and lifestyle

These creatures are not so aggressive in nature and tends to escape or fly away when disturbed or spooked. They usually fly alone but can also be seen in groups during hunting or feeding as most of the times they are only seen in groups in the mating/breeding season. 

Wandering Albatross, like most of the species of Albatrosses go for long hunting trips and spends most of their time in the air. Their trip can last from anywhere between 10 to 50 days. They feed on small sea creatures such as small squids, cuttle fish, crabs, shrimps, krills, lobsters, cray fish and some other small fishes.

Reproduction

Both male and female Wandering albatrosses reach the stage of sexual maturity at the age of 11 years, however they become adults at the age of 6 years. Their mating season starts in November (mostly early November) and can last to the month of January or February (rarely). During this time they make their nest on grasses and mud or sometimes in the forest area.

The males in the areas makes different types of noises and sounds to attract get the attention of the female. After meeting with the female, the male albatross spread it's wings and wrap their head and bills on the female (romantic right ?). The male and female albatross both mate with only one partner and stay with each other forever (#loversforlife). Also, they mate for the entire life and give births to their babies (eggs) after every 2 years.

After the gestation period of 77 days (~ 11 weeks), the female lay only one egg. In terms of appearance, the eggs is white in color with some faded spots on it. After the egg is laid, it takes 70 to 80 days to get the egg hatched. After the egg is hatched, the chick requires around 3 Kg of food per day to get proper nutrition.In order to fulfill this requirement, both the parents go for hunt daily each at a time. While the other parent go for gathering food, one parent stays at the nest to protect their baby. After the birth only 15 to 65 % of the chicks survive as they remain in constant dangers by the predators (like hawks and eagles) in their early stages.

Facts and summary

• Wandering Albatross are the largest flying birds on the planet.

• Wandering Albatross is one the 22 known species of albatrosses.

• They have the longest wingspan as compared to any other bird.

• They live spend most of their time in the air.

• They can fly up to a speed of 24.85 miles per hour (40 Kmph).

• They are often observed sleeping while flying.

• They travel nearly 500 miles (804.672 Km) in search of food or mating.

• They also go for long hunting trips which can last anywhere between 10 to 50 days.

• Male wandering albatrosses are slightly bigger in size and weight as compared to the females.

• Both the females and males mates with only one partner in their whole life and live with each other afterwards. Also, they lay only one egg.

• They are very good parents.

• Their body color becomes more whiter as they age.

• Their body is highly energy efficient.

• They tend to glide more rather than flapping to conserve energy while flying as well as to cover longer distances.

• Their death on board of is considered to be bad luck by many sailors.

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