Wandering Albatross

Identification

The snowy albatross is the largest species of albatross and possesses the greatest known wingspan of any living bird, reaching up to 3.7 metres (12 feet), with a mean span of around 3.1 metres (10 feet 2 inches). The body length ranges from 107 to 135 centimetres (3 feet 6 inches to 4 feet 5 inches), and adults typically weigh between 6.35 and 11.91 kilograms (14 to 26.3 pounds), though males are noticeably heavier than females. The plumage changes dramatically with age: juveniles begin life chocolate brown and gradually become whiter as they mature. Adults display white bodies with white and black wings, though males have considerably whiter wings than females, with black only at the tips and trailing edges. The large bill and feet are pink, giving these magnificent birds a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other members of the wandering albatross species complex.

Range & Habitat

The snowy albatross has a circumpolar range throughout the Southern Ocean, between approximately 28° and 60° south. It breeds on South Georgia Island, the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Prince Edward Islands, and Macquarie Island, and is seen feeding year-round off the Kaikōura Peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. These birds spend most of their lives in continuous flight, landing only to breed and feed. Some individual snowy albatrosses are known to circumnavigate the entire Southern Ocean three times in a single year, covering more than 120,000 kilometres (75,000 miles), demonstrating their status as one of the most far-ranging birds on Earth.

Behaviour & Diet

Snowy albatrosses are masterful aerialists, capable of remaining airborne for several hours without flapping their wings by employing dynamic soaring techniques. During flight, speeds of 135 kilometres per hour (84 miles per hour) have been recorded. They feed on cephalopods, small fish, and crustaceans, typically at the surface mainly during daylight hours. Unlike some albatross species, they are not well adapted for diving and tend to forage further out in open oceans and in colder waters rather than in shallower continental shelf waters. They are attracted to fishing vessels and will forage on bait, caught fish, and offal. The species mates for life and breeds every other year, occupying loose colonies on isolated island groups in the Southern Ocean during the breeding season.

Best Time & Places to See It

For those seeking to observe snowy albatrosses in their natural habitat, the breeding islands of the Southern Ocean offer the best opportunities, particularly South Georgia Island, the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Prince Edward Islands, and Macquarie Island. Year-round feeding observations are possible off the Kaikōura Peninsula on New Zealand's South Island. Since these birds spend the vast majority of their time in flight across open ocean, dedicated pelagic bird-watching expeditions in the Southern Ocean between 28° and 60° south offer excellent chances to witness these extraordinary fliers in their element.

Photography Tips

Photographing snowy albatrosses presents unique challenges due to their vast size and predominantly oceanic habitat. When at breeding colonies, patient positioning allows capture of their impressive wingspans and striking white plumage contrasting with black wing markings. The birds' pink bills and feet provide excellent colour subjects for close-up photography. On pelagic expeditions, anticipate their approach to vessels, particularly around fishing boats, and be prepared for rapid shooting sequences as they approach and bank away. The contrast between their white bodies and the dark ocean and sky creates dramatic compositional opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon light will best showcase the delicate white plumage and emphasize the extent of their dark wing patterns.