Wandering albatross, on nest and the Prion Island colony, Diomedea exulans

Wandering albatross, on nest and the Prion Island colony. The wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any living bird, with the wingspan between, up to 12' from wingtip to wingtip. It can soar on the open ocean for hours at a time, riding the updrafts from individual swells, with a glide ratio of 22 units of distance for every unit of drop. The wandering albatross can live up to 23 years. They hunt at night on the open ocean for cephalopods, small fish, and crustaceans. The survival of the species is at risk due to mortality from long-line fishing gear. South Georgia Island

Species: Wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans
Location: Prion Island, South Georgia Island
Image ID: 24428
Format: Digital 2:3