Amsterdam albatross

The Amsterdam albatross (Diomedea amsterdamensis) is a large seabird belonging to the albatross family, Diomedeidae. These birds are known for their impressive gliding ability, utilizing extremely long, narrow wings to stay aloft for hours without flapping, especially in windy conditions.1

The Amsterdam albatross has a wingspan of 280–340 cm (9–11 feet). It was once considered a subspecies of the wandering albatross but was identified as a distinct species in 2011. This species is critically endangered, with only about 170 individuals remaining on the island of Nouvelle Amsterdam in the southern Indian Ocean.1

Albatrosses come ashore only to breed, establishing colonies on remote oceanic islands. They lay a single large egg, which is incubated by both parents. Young albatrosses take a long time to mature and spend many years at sea before returning to breed. Historically, albatrosses were sometimes hunted for meat, feathers, and bones, and superstitions about them bringing bad luck were common.12