They are among the heaviest flying birds in the world, and their average wingspan—over 3 meters—is greater than that of any other species.

And—as with other albatrosses—there is another distinctive feature: they are monogamous, and most birds remain faithful to their partner for life. The wandering albatross is one of the few species that breeds during the southern winter. The breeding cycle lasts two years, and at 278 days, the chick-rearing period is the longest of any bird. The minimum age for the first breeding season is eight to fifteen years. Like many bird and animal species in subpolar and polar regions, it relies on a low reproduction rate and a long lifespan. Wandering albatrosses typically live to be 60 to 70 years old, but can live past 80.

During the breeding season, albatrosses travel enormous distances at sea and return, on average, only once every 20 days to take turns incubating the egg, or every four to five days to feed the chick. To survive such long periods without food, the chicks build up a large fat reserve. When they are eight months old, they can weigh up to 50% more than adult birds and can easily survive for several weeks without food if the parent bringing food is delayed in returning.

During their two-week foraging trip at sea, wandering albatrosses can travel up to 7,500 kilometers. And they are fast fliers: over short distances, they can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h. Birds at sea typically follow zigzag flight paths and constantly adjust their speed, direction, and altitude to make the most of the energy from the prevailing winds. Studies have shown that when traveling at sea with a favorable tailwind or crosswind, they consume only slightly more energy than when they are just sitting around in the colony. They consume the most energy during takeoffs and landings.

The diet of wandering albatrosses is extremely diverse and includes a variety of crustaceans (particularly Antarctic krill), fish, and a wide range of cephalopods.

When foraging, the females in particular tend to venture into more northerly waters, at latitudes between 51° and 56° S. One consequence of this is that in these regions (for example, off the coast of Brazil), they are accidentally caught by longline fishermen while attempting to feed on the bait that has been set. They swallow the bait, are dragged down into the depths by the hooks, and drown. This is collateral damage with enormous consequences.

Despite the efforts of various institutions to ensure well-regulated fishing, the number of wandering albatrosses in South Georgia and worldwide has been declining at an alarming rate for years. In 2020, there were approximately 20,000 wandering albatrosses worldwide. In recent decades, however, the size of many colonies has been cut in half due to numerous threats, primarily those caused by humans. The population is declining by 30% over three generations (approximately 60 years).

Until adequate measures to reduce bycatch become standard practice on all vessels, wherever they fish, the future outlook for the wandering albatross—as well as for many other albatrosses in the world’s oceans—is bleak. It is uncertain whether the populations will ever recover. The wandering albatross is listed as endangered on the Red List.

The chances of spotting a wanderer are already rather slim. Unfortunately, these iconic creatures of the Southern Ocean are in a dire state.

Der Beitrag Wandering Albatross erschien zuerst auf Sailing SOUTH Expeditions.