Snowy Albatross

Overview

Snowy Albatross (Diomedea exulans) is a species of Albatrosses (Diomedeidae) in the order Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters. One of the largest flying birds, with the greatest wingspan of any living bird; glides for hours over the open ocean without flapping; breeds on sub-Antarctic islands; threatened by longline fishing bycatch.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Diomedea; binomial: Diomedea exulans; authority: Linnaeus, 1758. Typical size: 110-135cm. Average lifespan: 30-50 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Southern Ocean. Non-breeding range: widespread all southern oceans.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Change English name of widespread Diomedea exulans from Wandering Albatross to Snowy Albatross to avoid confusion with the other three species formerly included in the "Wandering Albatross" complex.