Newsletter / Blog
2012-01-30 Wandering Albatross benefit from climate change.
Researchers from
the Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC) have found that the Wandering
Albatross has benefited from climate change.
Climate change is
causing wind patterns to change in the Southern Ocean and as a result the higher
wind speeds enable the Wandering Albatross of the Crozet Islands
to travel more rapidly in search of food. The phenomenon has modified the
distribution of these seabirds and improved their physical condition as well as
their breeding success. However, this favourable situation is unlikely to last
if these windy areas continue to move southwards.
The Wandering Albatross - Diomedea exulans – is one of the largest
birds in the world. Wandering Albatrosses spend most of their life in flight,
landing only to breed and feed. Distances travelled each year are hard to
measure, but one banded bird was recorded travelling 6000 km in twelve days. It
is the bird with the greatest wingspan of any living bird, averaging from 2.51
to 3.50 m or 8.2 to 11.5 ft. The longest-winged examples verified have been in
the region of 3.7 m or 12 ft. They can live for over 50 years.
Wandering Albatrosses spend most of their life in flight, landing only to breed
and feed.
Description
The adult
Wandering Albatross appears entirely white from a distance. Close up, the fine
black wavy lines on the breast, neck and upper back become visible. The bill
can vary in color, but is normally yellowish-pink. The white tail is
occasionally tipped with black and the back of the wing changes from black to
white with age. A series of plumage phases are passed through as young birds
reach full adult plumage, which can take up to nine years. Females are slightly
smaller than males.
Call
Braying, screams,
whistles and grunts.
Food
They feed on
squid/Inkfish, small fish, and crustaceans. They feed mainly at night and will
follow fishing vessels during the day, scavenging scraps. Galley refuse
and floating waste also form part of the diet.
Breeding
The Wandering
Albatross breeds every second year, in loose colonies on isolated islands in
the Southern Oceans. One white egg with a few spots laid. Eggs are laid
December to January and incubation takes about 11 weeks with both parents are
involved. Adolescents return to the colony within 6 years but will not start
breeding until 11 to 15 years
Conservation Status – Vulnerable
This species is
undergoing a rapid population decline. The biggest threat to their survival is
long line fishing, followed by pollution, mainly plastics and fishing hooks.
Bird watching
See these magnificent
birds on a pelagic trip on one of the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures:-
Aves Western Cape Birding
Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves West Coast
Birding Tour / Safari /Adventure.
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