Waved Albatross

Galapagos Wildlife: Waved Albatross Flying @ David Horwell

Waved Albatross Flying @ David Horwell

Species Data

Common Name Waved Albatross
Scientific Name Phoebastria irrorata
Spanish Name Albatros ondulado
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Critically Endangered © Dan Wright

Critically endangered 

Endemic/Native/Introduced

Native 

Size 86-90 cm length, 225 cm wingspan
Average Lifespan 40-45 years
Predators As chicks, owls and hawks are potential predators
Food Piscivore (fish, squid and crustaceans)
Animal Class Bird

Species Overview

The waved albatross gets its name from the wave-like pattern on its wings as adults. They have a distinctive yellow or cream neck, a long bright yellow bill and blue feet. They breed primarily on Espanola Island and this area is very important to the birds. During the non-breeding season they move to the coasts of Peru and Ecuador. They are threatened by long-line fishing as they can get caught on the hooks while catching their prey and by tourism which disturbs their nesting sites. It is also known as the Galapagos albatross.

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