Wandering Albatross ( Diomedea exulans )
Wandering Albatross - Wandering Albatross information - Wandering Albatross facts
Diomedea exulans can be found mostly in southern oceans. It has got the greatest widespan of all living birds. Generally their widespan is up to 350 cm (over 11 feet) but albatrosses with widespan almost 400 cm were also observed. Its weight varies from 6 to 12 kg (13-26 lb) and its length is up to 140 cm (55 iches).
Wandering albatross is a beautiful bird with white feathers and black marginal lines. It has got a small head and an orange bill. Its slim body is aerodynamically shaped which enables him to wander over 500 km (270 miles) a day and 56 000 km (35 000 miles) in three months. Its light weight and narrow wings allow it to use wind and air as a “motor” so it can go with the wind and glide downwind. Its effort is minimal.
Breeding takes place ashore on the land or on islands spread in the southern parts of the world. It lasts exceptionally long, approximately one year. Throughout this time males and females “dance” and create a unique and a typical sound. This occurs every two years. These wonderful gliding birds are capable of breeding after reaching the age of 5-10 years.
The incubation period for an egg is over 60 days. Small chicken tend to eat almost 2 kg (over 4 lb) of food in one meal. Albatross’s diet mainly consists of fish and cephalopods. These birds usually live about 40 years but some species may live up to 80 years. Their cruising speed ranges from 50-90 km per hour (30-55 mph).
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