waved albatross

bird

Also known as: Diomedea irrorata

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

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The waved albatross is a species of large seabird belonging to the family Diomedeidae, which also includes other albatrosses. These birds are known for their impressive gliding abilities, utilizing their long, narrow wings to stay airborne for extended periods, especially in windy conditions. They primarily feed on squid, fish, and garbage from ships.12

Waved albatrosses come ashore only to breed, typically establishing colonies on remote oceanic islands. They exhibit elaborate mating rituals, including wing-stretching and bill-fencing. They lay a single egg, which is incubated by both parents. Young albatrosses grow slowly and spend many years at sea before returning to breed. The waved albatross is unique in that it breeds exclusively in the Galapagos Islands, near the Equator.134

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procellariiform
Distribution
One species, the waved albatross (D. irrorata), is unique in that it breeds only in the Galapagos Islands at the Equator, where probably not more than 3,000 pairs nest on Hood Island.
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One species, the waved albatross (D. irrorata), is unique in that it breeds only in the Galapagos Islands at the Equator, where probably not more than 3,000 pairs nest on Hood Island.
Read More