Mark Stratton

Wandering Albatrosses

About the Wandering Albatross

The Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans) is one of the most iconic and widely recognised seabirds due to its immense wingspan, which is the largest of any living bird. It is known for its long-distance flights over the open ocean, often covering thousands of kilometres.

Wandering albatrosses are circumpolar seabirds, found primarily in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. They spend most of their lives flying over the southern waters.

They breed on remote sub-Antarctic islands, such as South Georgia, the Crozet Islands, the Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island, and the Prince Edward Islands.

Commonality of Wandering Albatrosses

Though they cover vast areas, their overall population is relatively low and declining, making sightings uncommon and all the more special when they happen.

Protection & Threats

They face threats from longline fishing, during which they are often caught accidentally, and from plastic pollution.

Climate Change

Changes in wind patterns and sea temperatures can affect their foraging efficiency and alter the availability of squid and fish, their primary food sources.