Wandering Albatross
Diomedea exulans
Quick answer
Wandering albatrosses have wingspans up to 3.5 metres — the longest of any living bird — weighing about 10 kg and living 50 years. They glide for hours without flapping, sleeping on the wing over southern oceans — listed Vulnerable from fishing hooks.
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Wandering Albatross facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Diomedea exulans |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore — squid, fish, and carrion |
| Habitat | Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic islands |
| Lifespan | 40–50 years (longest-lived birds) |
| Weight | 8–12 kg (18–26 lb); males larger |
| Top speed | Up to 80 km/h (50 mph) wind-assisted gliding |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Diomedeidae |
| Genus | Diomedea |
Where it lives
Southern Ocean — breeding on sub-Antarctic islands including South Georgia, Crozet, Kerguelen, and Macquarie.
What is a group of wandering albatrosses called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Wandering Albatrosses is called a rookery.
Baby name
A baby Wandering Albatross is called a chick.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Distribution and habitat
Wandering Albatrosses live in Southern Ocean — breeding on sub-Antarctic islands including South Georgia, Crozet, Kerguelen, and Macquarie. Preferred habitat includes southern ocean and sub-antarctic islands. Across Antarctica, Oceania, South America, population density reflects prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and wildlife corridors remain essential for long-term persistence.
Physical traits and behaviour
Wandering Albatrosss typically reach about 1.3 m in length and 10 kg in weight, with top speeds near 80 km/h. The widest wingspan on Earth. Daily activity, social structure, and seasonal movements reflect pressures in their native environment.
Diet and ecological role
Wandering Albatrosses feed on carnivore — squid, fish, and carrion. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As birds, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild wandering albatrosses.
Human interest and research
Wandering Albatrosss feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Dig deeper into the Wandering Albatross
- Albatross Facts 5
Dig deeper into wandering albatross — albatross facts 5.
- Are Albatross Endangered
Dig deeper into wandering albatross — are albatross endangered.
- How Long do Albatross Live?
Dig deeper into wandering albatross — how long do albatross live.
- What do Albatross Eat
Dig deeper into wandering albatross — what do albatross eat.
- Where do Albatross Live?
Dig deeper into wandering albatross — where do albatross live.
Explore the Wandering Albatross
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Range & geography
Did you know? Wandering Albatross facts
- Wandering albatrosses have wingspans up to 3.5 metres — the longest of any living bird.
- 50+ years — they delay breeding until age 10–15.
- Pairs bond for years with elaborate courtship dances.
- Conservation: Vulnerable.
Diet & feeding
Wandering Albatross feeds primarily as a squid, fish, carrion.
Adaptations
- Albatrosses harness wind shear above waves to fly with minimal energy.
- Fishing hooks kill tens of thousands annually — mitigation devices help.
Behaviour & ecology
- Albatrosses harness wind shear above waves to fly with minimal energy.
- Fishing hooks kill tens of thousands annually — mitigation devices help.
Communication
- Wandering Albatross uses calls and visual displays to communicate territory, alarm, and breeding status.
- Vocal repertoires vary by species and are often learned or refined during development.
Habitat & range
Southern Ocean islands
Ecological role
Wandering Albatross contributes to seed dispersal, insect control, or nutrient cycling depending on diet and foraging habits.
Frequently asked questions about the Wandering Albatross
Where do wandering albatrosses live?
Southern Ocean — breeding on sub-Antarctic islands including South Georgia, Crozet, Kerguelen, and Macquarie.
What do wandering albatrosses eat?
Carnivore — squid, fish, and carrion.
How long do wandering albatrosses live?
About 50 years in the wild on average.
Are wandering albatrosses endangered?
IUCN status: Vulnerable.
What is a group of wandering albatrosses called?
A group of Wandering Albatrosses is called a rookery.
What is a baby wandering albatross called?
A baby Wandering Albatross is called a chick.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Wandering Albatross:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Vulnerable) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Diomedea exulans.
- IUCN Red List — Diomedea exulans.
Conservation status (Vulnerable) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Diomedea exulans. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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