royal albatross

bird

Also known as: Diomedea epomophora

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The royal albatross is a large seabird belonging to the family Diomedeidae, known for its exceptional gliding abilities. These birds possess extremely long, narrow wings that allow them to stay aloft for hours without flapping, though they struggle to fly in calm air and prefer resting on the water. Royal albatrosses come ashore only to breed, establishing colonies on remote islands. They are known for their elaborate mating displays, which include wing-stretching and bill-fencing. The female lays a single large egg, and both parents take turns incubating it. Young albatrosses grow slowly and spend many years at sea before returning to breed. The royal albatross is largely white with black outer wing surfaces and breeds on islands near New Zealand and the southern tip of South America.1

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albatross
The royal albatross (D. epomophora), with a wingspread to about 315 cm (about 10 feet), is largely white with black outer wing surfaces. It breeds on islands near New Zealand and near the southern tip of South America.
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The royal albatross (D. epomophora), with a wingspread to about 315 cm (about 10 feet), is largely white with black outer wing surfaces. It breeds on islands near New Zealand and near the southern tip of South America.
Read More