Print
Laysan albatross
Breeding pairs remaining in the world: 437,000
Where do they breed?: North-west Hawaiian islands (>90%), islands off Japan and Mexico (North Pacific)
Wingspan: 195-203 cm
Length (beak to tail): 79-81 cm
Average lifespan: Up to 30 years
Diet: Feeds primarily on squid and octopus, though also eats a variety of fish, shrimp and other invertebrates.
Scientific name:Phoebastria immutabilis
Threat level: Vulnerable
Why they need your help
Laysan albatrosses form the largest breeding colonies of any species of albatross. And even though they are annual breeders, each year a proportion of birds will skip a breeding season.
Past threats to this species included being caught for their feathers, being at the mercy of egg collectors, and from driftnet fisheries catching squid and salmon.
Although longline and illegal driftnet fisheries throughout the North Pacific still pose a threat to this species, recent estimates suggest they are now being caught in fewer numbers. This is most likely due to the use of effective seabird avoidance measures being used by fishing fleets.
Other threats to this species include plastic and lead ingestion, invasive species, human disturbance, oiling, and conflicts with aircraft.