Rapid Fire
Laysan Albatross
- 12 Dec 2024
- 2 min read
Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis), laid an egg at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, her first in four years. She was initially banded there in 1956.
- Laysan albatross is a large, abundant seabird whose breeding range is centered in Hawai‘. Like all albatrosses, they are accomplished fliers using dynamic soaring to cover great distances. They mainly feed at night and often far from breeding colonies.
- According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average lifespan of a Laysan albatross is typically around 68 years.
- Note: Snowy Albatross or Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans) is the largest flying seabird in terms of wingspan.
- Laysan albatross matures slowly, starting to breed at three or four years old, but typically achieving successful breeding only at eight or nine years of age.
- They nest in colonies, have long-term pair bonds and high site fidelity. They lay only one egg per season and the egg is incubated by both the parents in turn.
- Conservation Status – IUCN Red list:
- Laysan Albatross: Near Threatened
- Snowy Albatross (Wandering Albatross): Vulnerable
- Waved Albatross: Critically Endangered
- Tristan Albatross: Critically Endangered
Read More: Wandering Albatross
