We have researched some of the most interesting wandering albatross facts for kids. Wandering or snowy albatross (Diomedea exulans) is among the largest seabirds from its own genus, Diomedea. It has the longest wingspan in the world among extant (surviving) birds. Due to its large wingspan, it glides in the air for hours without having to flap its wings. Get to know all about wandering albatross.
Wandering Albatross Facts for Kids
It has the whitish color among all albatross species. The color of its wings is grayish-black while the body is all-white. There is a pale pinkish-yellow spot on the side of its head. Its hooked bill and feet are pink in color.
The size range of its wingspan is around 8.3 to 11.6 feet in length. The body length of an adult wandering albatross is around 3.6 to 4.5 feet. The average weight of an adult albatross is around 14 to 26 pounds.
Wandering Albatross Lifespan: The lifespan o
f these albatrosses is 50 years.
The maturity age of these albatrosses is 11 to 15 years. Mating occurs in early November and the bird breeds with an interval of 2 years.
A female albatross lays one egg in late December or early January and the egg is hatched after 11 weeks. The size of an egg is 10 centimeters. As the chick is born, the parents take turns to look after the newborn baby. It takes about 7 to 9 months for a chick to fledge. The juveniles come back to their colonies at the age of about 6 to 10 years.
This large seabird breeds on island of South Georgia, Desolation Islands, Marion and Prince Edward Islands, Crozet and Macquarie Islands.
The wandering albatrosses are gluttonous birds and they tend to gorge on anything that is available. They usually feed on sea fishes, squid and other crustaceans.
The bird spends a better part of its life in traveling through the air. It lands on the ground only for eating and mating purposes. It can fly at a speed of up to 24 mph.
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