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Why are albatrosses amazing?
Albatrosses are true ocean-going birds. Apart from when they come onto land to breed, they spend all of their lives at sea.
In fact, the name albatross is derived from a Portuguese word for seabird – alcatraz. The name was spelt in several different ways until 'albatross' became the accepted English version.
To live their life on the ocean wave, albatrosses are perfectly adapted to survive in one of our planet's most extreme environments. Read on to find out how.
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Albatrosses have large, long, hooked beaks. Made of keratin, they start off dark in young birds, but gain colouring as the birds mature - in some species becoming bright yellow or orange. More... |
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The albatross is one of the most amazing birds in existence; it is truly breathtaking. I had several follow me at various points along my journey and they certainly gave me company on a very solitary trip. I hope that we still have the opportunity now to save these magnificent creatures before it is too late.
Ellen MacArthur - celebrated yachtswoman
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Albatrosses are unusual in that they only lay one egg, which may be incubated for up to 70 days. It can then take a further 10 months for the young to fledge. More... |
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When on feeding trips for their hungry chick, albatrosses can cover distances of 10,000 km in just 10-20 days. But where do they store all the food they catch? More... |
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Albatrosses are among the largest flying birds, and are famous for their ability to endlessly glide low over the waves, without flapping. More... |
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