The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is a large seabird found across the North Pacific. It is one of the most widespread seabird species in the world. Identifying the Laysan albatross is important for conservation efforts as well as for birdwatchers looking to add it to their life list. There are a few key physical features to look for when identifying a Laysan albatross.
Distinctive Markings
The adult Laysan albatross has distinctive plumage. Its body is predominantly white with black flight feathers on the wings. It has a dark grayish-brown saddle across its upper back. The head is white with a golden-yellow wash across the nape. The bill is pink with a dark tip. The legs and feet are flesh-colored. Immature birds have more brownish feathers.
One of the most distinctive features of the Laysan albatross is the dark eye patch around each eye. This eye patch is smudgy gray in color. It helps to absorb sunlight and reduces glare when the bird is flying over the ocean. The eye patches give the Laysan albatross a raccoon-like appearance.
Size and Shape
The Laysan albatross has a wingspan ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 feet. Its body length from bill to tail is about 32 inches. It has long, narrow wings designed for gliding low over the ocean for long distances. The wings taper to pointed tips.
In flight, the Laysan albatross has a distinctive shape. With its very long, narrow wings fully extended, it takes on an elongated teardrop silhouette. The wings do not flap frequently and are held in a stiff, straight plane when gliding. The head projects out in front of the body. The tail is fan-shaped.
On the ground, the Laysan albatross has an ungainly, waddling gait due to its short legs placed far back on the body. It needs wind or a running start across the water to take flight.
Range and Habitat
The Laysan albatross ranges widely across the North Pacific Ocean. Its breeding colonies are located on small, remote Pacific islands. Major nesting sites include the Hawaiian Islands, the Bonin Islands south of Japan, and islands off the coast of Mexico like Guadalupe Island. It primarily nests on low, flat, sandy or grassy islands.
Outside of breeding season, the Laysan albatross roams far out to sea, rarely approaching land. It can be found feeding throughout the northern Pacific, ranging as far north as Alaska and as far west as Japan. However, it is most common off the west coast of North America from British Columbia down to Baja California.
Diet
The Laysan albatross is highly adapted for life at sea. It feeds on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, crustaceans, and fish eggs. It will occasionally scavenge carrion floating on the ocean surface. It does not normally follow fishing vessels like some albatross species.
The Laysan albatross feeds mainly by seizing prey from the water’s surface while on the wing. It also by makes shallow dives into the water to capture prey just below the surface. Its bill is specially adapted for scooping and draining water out when picking up prey.
Breeding and Nesting
The Laysan albatross returns to land only to breed and nest. Nesting colonies form from October through December. The nest consists of a mound of vegetation and debris, built up over many seasons of use. Nest materials include grasses, bushes, soil, and feathers.
A Laysan albatross pair mates for life. The female lays a single egg, which is incubated for 65-70 days by both parents taking turns. After hatching, the chick is brooded and fed regurgitated food by both parents for several months. It fledges at around 160-200 days old.
Laysan albatrosses have an elaborate mating ritual featuring sky pointing, bill fencing, and vocalizations like moans, whistles, and trumpeting. Pairs reunite and reaffirm their lifelong bond each breeding season using these rituals.
Conservation Status
The Laysan albatross has a large global population estimated at about 1.2 million individuals. However, it faces threats from habitat loss, plastic pollution, fishing practices, invasive species, and climate change. Conservation measures have helped reduce impacts, but its population is in gradual decline.
The IUCN Red List classifies the Laysan albatross as Near Threatened. In the United States, it receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and is further shielded within National Wildlife Refuges and marine sanctuaries where it breeds. Maintaining nesting habitat and reducing ocean pollution will be key to ensuring the future of this widespread North Pacific seabird.
Identification Tips
When trying to identify a Laysan albatross, look for these key characteristics:
- Large seabird with 5.5-6.5 foot wingspan
- Predominantly white body
- Blackish-brown saddle across upper back
- Golden-yellow wash on nape of neck
- Pink bill with dark tip
- Flesh-colored legs and feet
- Smudgy gray eye patches
- Long, narrow wings
- Elongated teardrop shape in flight
- Stiff, flat wingbeats when gliding
- Waddling gait on ground
Key Differences from Other Albatross Species
The Laysan albatross can be most easily confused with the closely related black-footed albatross. Here are some key differences:
Laysan Albatross | Black-footed Albatross |
---|---|
White belly/underwings | Blackish belly/underwings |
Pink bill with dark tip | All dark bill |
Flesh-colored legs | Blackish legs |
Ranges farther north | Ranges farther south |
The Laysan can also sometimes be confused with immature forms of other albatross species like the short-tailed albatross. However, the Laysan is distinguished by its pink bill and flesh-colored legs compared to the all-dark bill and legs of immature short-tailed albatrosses. The Laysan also lacks the golden-orange wash on the head that immature short-tailed albatrosses display.
Conclusion
In summary, the key field marks to identify an adult Laysan albatross include its large size, predominantly white plumage, dark eye patches, pink bill, and flesh-colored legs. It has a distinctive soaring flight on long, narrow, stiff wings. It ranges widely across the North Pacific feeding on surface prey. The Laysan albatross nests on remote Pacific islands, where breeding pairs engage in elaborate mating rituals and provide extensive parental care. Paying attention to details like bill color and exact distribution can help distinguish the Laysan albatross from similar albatross species. Familiarity with its appearance, habits, and range is invaluable for anyone wanting to identify this graceful North Pacific seabird.