The fascinating world of albatrosses on Midway Atoll (00006466)

Description: The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is one of three albatross species that are native to Midway Atoll. Here, you can find the largest breeding colony of Laysan albatrosses and the second largest of Black-footed albatrosses. Between late October and July, approximately 400,000 pairs of Laysan albatrosses and 18,000 pairs of Black-footed albatrosses inhabit the islands. The young albatrosses diligently practice take-offs and landings from July onwards before becoming fledged. These majestic birds spend 90 percent of their lives in the air and are true aerial artists. Their flight and navigation abilities are remarkable. One albatross, equipped with a small transmitter, covered an incredible 40,000 kilometers in just 90 days. They return annually to the island to breed after gliding over the ocean for several years. Albatrosses love storms and feel comfortable even in hurricanes and towering waves. With their narrow and extremely long wings, they glide for hours over the ocean without flapping their wings.

Location: Hawaiian Islands, Midway, USA

Date of Capture: 17.07.2001