Wandering Albatross | Master of the Southern Ocean

Inhabiting a large area between Antarctica and the Tropic of Capricorn, wandering albatrosses are incredibly fascinating seabirds. These iconic birds have inspired myths for centuries, and some believed them to be the souls of lost sailors. While they live an intriguing life, wandering albatrosses are a vulnerable species in desperate need of conservation.

What makes the wandering albatross unique?

Scientific name: Diomedea exulans
Also known as: Snowy albatross

Record-breaking wingspan:

• Average: 3.5 meters (~11.5 feet)

• World record: 3.63 meters (male caught in Tasman Sea, 1965)

Their elegant flight over the ocean is another aspect that wildlife lovers marvel at. The secret behind the masterly control that albatrosses have over the long ocean flights is based on a feature called dynamic soaring. This is an energy-efficient process that harnesses the wind waves of the Southern Ocean. Around 86-99% of their flying time is spent soaring, when albatrosses do not flap their wings. 

Theoretically, the birds make use of the vertical gradient of wind velocity and vary their roll angles to compensate for the differences in wind speed. In other words, they extract energy from the wind velocity gradient to maintain a nearly constant average airspeed. Albatrosses can use this technique for hovering in a circle, or while travelling upwind or across wind.

Recent studies conducted by tracking albatrosses through GPS suggest that they limit their across-wind airspeed to 20 meters per second. The reason can be to limit the aerodynamic force on their wings within a tolerable range. That way, they can cover long distances without overstressing their muscles.

Seasonal movements and nesting habits

Breeding cycle: Biennial (every two years)

Site fidelity: Same breeding site annually

The breeding cycle of wandering albatrosses is biennial, and they choose the same breeding site every year. Pairs unsuccessful in breeding often mate the next year, but their chances of successfully rearing chicks are very low.

The birds mate during the austral summer, around December, and lay a single egg. Both parents take turns incubating the egg. Untended eggs are at risk from the predatory eyes of skuas and sheathbills. The incubation period is around 11 weeks, and the chicks take a few days to break free from the shell. 

The chicks are dependent on their parents for 9 to 10 months and then spend the first year at sea, learning to use the wind for flying. This is a critical year, and the mortality rates are high for both sexes. A bird can take as many as six years to mature fully and then return to the location where they fledged.

Courtship and lifelong bonds

Courtship ritual: Highly ritualized with 22 distinct behaviors (similar to Laysan and black-footed albatrosses)

Display behaviors include:

• Allo-preening

• Pointing and rattling

• Bowing and preening

• Sky calls

• Head rolling

Courtship sequence: Males arrive first at nesting sites. Females initiate displays after landing, walking to males in rolling gait. This results in either pairing and entering the nest together or females departing. Males sometimes fight over display partners and nest sites.

Mating strategy: Generally monogamous with lifelong pair bonds, though extra-pair copulations occur occasionally. Rare "divorces" happen—research shows pairs with bolder, more aggressive males are more likely to stay together.

Photographing the wandering albatross

Most wildlife photographers dream of capturing the perfect image of a wandering albatross with its majestic wings spread out. The courtship ritual of the birds or a young wandering albatross looking out from the nest are some other moments that photographers aspire to capture. For many, a close encounter with this elegant bird remains an unforgettable experience of a South Georgia trip.

While perched on a cliff or sitting near the nest in breeding season, the large size and tame nature of wandering albatrosses make them easy subjects. However, focusing on a flying bird from a moving ship or inflatable boat is not so easy. Ensure a fast shutter speed and use the continuous auto-focus mode to track the bird. Try to anticipate where the birds are flying in, and select a composition zone to ensure good light and a pleasing background.