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Albatrosses


Albatrosses are large birds with long, narrow wings and very
heavy hooked beak.


The Albatrosses are mostly Southern Hemisphere birds, however
3 species breed north of the equator.

The albatross is characterized by a hooked upper bill, strongly
webbed feet that lack a hind claw, and long, narrow wings. Thirteen
species are found mainly throughout seas of the southern hemisphere,
and a few species inhabit the North Pacific Ocean.

Albatrosses are nomadic birds that wander great distances over the
oceans. They sleep while floating on the ocean, drink seawater, and
feed on small marine animals  and refuse from ships. They return to
land only to breed, at which time they  perform a stylized courting
ritual of elaborate bowing and posturing.

Albatrosses nest close to shore on barren islands, usually in a
depression in the ground.

Some Albatrosses have wingspans up to 11 feet in length. They glide
over the waves on stiffly held wings.

Albatrosses make up the family Diomedeidae in the order Procellariiformes.


   Picture Albatross




Albatrosses include:

Laysan Albatross
Yellow-nosed Albatross
Black-footed Albatross


See Also:

Index of North American Birds

The Albatross in Literature


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