Albatross

Design

With its large wings, the albatross uses wind currents to aid in extended flights. This bird utilizes a unique method of flight called dynamic soaring, usually only flapping its wings on takeoff and landing. In order to take off, the albatross takes a running start with outstretched wings. In calm weather, this bird floats in the ocean.

Features

• The albatross is one of the largest flying birds with wings that are long and narrow.
• Depending on the species, the body is predominately white or light to dark gray.
• The bill is covered in plates and along the sides are two tubes, which are actually long nostrils.

Fun Facts

• The wandering and royal albatrosses have the largest wingspan of any bird, up to 11 ft (3.4 m) from tip to tip.
• Albatrosses generally mate for life. This mate is usually selected after courtship “dances,” which include bill-circling, sky-pointing, and flank-touching.
• The albatross is among the most oceanic of all seabirds, and it seldom approaches land except to breed.
• Each year an albatross can cover a distance equivalent to flying around the earth at the equator three times.
• The heart of the wandering albatross actually beats slower during flight than when sitting on the sea.