The albatross belongs to the order Procellariiformes and the
family Diomeidae. They are large sea bound birds found in the North
Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean. There are several species of
albatross and many are considered among the planet's largest birds. The great
albatross species has the largest wingspan of any living bird.
Albatrosses mate for life and can take years to develop
their relationship. A single egg is laid annually and the birds live in large
colonies on small islands with several species living together. They have a
great soaring and swooping ability which aids them in flight and catching their
prey. Albatross prefer to dine on fish, krill and squid.
With large bills and nostrils, the albatross has an
excellent sense of smell. They eat sea water and take in a lot of salt. Strong
legs and webbed feet allow the albatross to walk comfortably on land. Their plumage
is usually a mix of gray, black and white.
19 out of the 21 species of albatross are faced with
extinction due to harvesting of feathers, pollution, destruction of habitat and
the introduction of rats and cats into their natural habitats.