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What is a Laysan Albatross?

Angie Bates
Angie Bates

The Laysan albatross is a web-footed, gull-like seabird that spends most of its time in the open ocean, ranging from the Northern Pacific to the Gulf of Alaska. When on land, this bird is usually found on the Hawaiian islands. The scientific name for the Laysan albatross is phoebastria immatabilis.

Considered a small albatross, the Laysan is generally about 32 inches long (81 cm), weights around 7 pounds (3.2 kg), and has a wingspan of about 6 feet (1.8 m). Both males and females are mostly white with the exception of their black, narrow, pointed wings. Usually gray or yellow-orange, the Laysan's beak is always tipped with a black hook. These birds often live for 40 to 60 years.

The Laysan albatross spends months at sea, usually over 30 miles (48 km) from land, only coming to land to mate. A soaring bird, the Laysan may spend hours or days in the air without flapping its wings. It is even capable of sleeping while airborne.

Squid is a large portion of a Laysan albatross's diet.
Squid is a large portion of a Laysan albatross's diet.

A surface feeder, the Laysan albatross dives a short way to the water's surface and grabs its prey. Eating squid, crustaceans, and fish, as well as fish eggs, these birds generally feed at night and eat on the water. Sometimes they will feed on discarded fish waste left by commercial fishing boats.

From November to July, Laysan albatrosses can be found on land for their breeding season. Nesting in large colonies, these birds begin mating when they reach six or seven years of age and mate for life. Though graceful in the air, the albatross is sometimes called a gooney bird because of its tendency to crash when landing on solid ground.

Laysan albatross nests are simple hollows in the sand where the female will lay one egg. The female will incubate the egg initially, but the male actually does most of the incubating. The young hatch after about two months.

Both parents will feed the hatchling. While one parents watches the chick, the other will go out to sea, sometimes for days, to find food. Parents feed their young by regurgitation. The chick will stay in the nest for five months before it fledges. Young Laysan albatrosses stay at sea for the first three to five years of their lives.

Laysan albatrosses are not considered endangered and their populations are relatively stable. They are, however, considered near threatened. Through the 1800s-1900s, Laysan albatrosses were often killed for their feathers, and though that practice has stopped, fishing nets, pollution, and airplanes are still frequent causes for deaths among these birds. Population trends suggest that their population may be on a slow decline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Laysan Albatross?

The Laysan Albatross is a large seabird, scientifically known as Phoebastria immutabilis, primarily found in the North Pacific. With a wingspan reaching nearly 7 feet, it is known for its impressive gliding ability over the ocean. These birds are characterized by their white and gray plumage, with adults having a distinctive white head and neck.

Where can you find Laysan Albatrosses?

Laysan Albatrosses are native to the North Pacific, with the majority nesting in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Midway Atoll and Laysan Island are significant breeding grounds. They spend much of their life at sea, only coming ashore to breed and raise their young.

What does the Laysan Albatross eat?

The Laysan Albatross primarily feeds on squid, fish, and crustaceans. It often forages on the ocean's surface, seizing prey with its hooked beak. Occasionally, they may also consume fish eggs and other marine organisms. They are known to follow ships to scavenge refuse, which sometimes leads to ingestion of plastic debris.

How long do Laysan Albatrosses live?

Laysan Albatrosses are known for their longevity, with many individuals living over 40 years. The oldest known wild bird, a Laysan Albatross named Wisdom, has surpassed 70 years of age, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. Their long lifespan is accompanied by a delayed maturity, often not breeding until they are at least 8-9 years old.

What are the breeding habits of the Laysan Albatross?

Laysan Albatrosses form monogamous pairs that mate for life, engaging in elaborate courtship dances that reinforce their bonds. They return to their natal colonies to breed, laying a single egg per year. Both parents share incubation duties over a period of approximately two months, and after hatching, they take turns feeding the chick for an additional five months.

Are Laysan Albatrosses endangered?

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, the Laysan Albatross is listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Threats include plastic ingestion, bycatch in fishing operations, habitat destruction, and climate change. Conservation efforts are in place to mitigate these threats and protect their breeding grounds.

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    • Squid is a large portion of a Laysan albatross's diet.
      By: hiphoto39
      Squid is a large portion of a Laysan albatross's diet.