Laysan albatross
A long-lived seabird of the North Pacific, named for Laysan Island.
The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is a large seabird that ranges across the North Pacific, with 99.7% of its population found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It is the second-most common seabird in the Hawaiian Islands, with an estimated population of 1.18 million birds, and is currently expanding its range to new islands. First described in 1893 by Lionel Walter Rothschild based on a specimen from Laysan Island, this gull-like albatross is notable for its longevity and complex social behaviors.
- Scientific name
- Phoebastria immutabilis
- Average length
- 81 cm (32 in)
- Wingspan
- 195–203 cm (77–80 in)
- Male weight
- 2.4–4.1 kg (5.3–9.0 lb)
- Female weight
- 1.9–3.6 kg (4.2–7.9 lb)
- Population estimate
- 1.18 million birds
- IUCN status
- Near threatened
Lore & Background
The Laysan albatross was first described as Diomedea immutabilis by Lionel Walter Rothschild in 1893, based on a specimen from Laysan Island. Its genus name, Phoebastria, comes from Greek meaning 'prophetess,' while the species name immutabilis is Latin for 'unchanging,' referring to the similarity of immature birds' plumage to that of adults. The bird averages 81 cm in length with a wingspan of 195–203 cm, and males are larger than females. Its plumage is blackish-gray above and white below, with a pink bill and dark tip, and juveniles have a gray bill and dark upper rump.
Reader's Guide
The Laysan albatross is a significant species in the North Pacific ecosystem, with 99.7% of its breeding population concentrated in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, particularly Midway and Laysan. It is the second-most common seabird in the Hawaiian Islands, with an estimated 1.18 million birds, and is currently expanding its range to islands off Mexico. The species was heavily impacted by feather hunting in the early 1900s, which wiped it out from Wake Island and Johnston Atoll, but conservation efforts have led to population rebounds. Current threats include longline fisheries and lead poisoning on Midway Atoll, where an estimated 10,000 birds were killed annually from ingesting lead-based paint chips. The Laysan albatross is notable for its longevity, with the oldest known wild bird, Wisdom, estimated to be at least 74 years old as of 2021. It also exhibits same-sex female pair bonding, which has been used in conservation to foster chicks from unsafe nesting areas.
Did You Know?
- The Laysan albatross was first described in 1893 by Lionel Walter Rothschild based on a specimen from Laysan Island.
- A female named Wisdom, banded in 1956, is the oldest known wild bird, estimated to be at least 74 years old as of 2021.
- 31% of pairs on Oahu are between two females, which can successfully raise foster chicks.
- The species was extirpated from Wake Atoll, Johnston Atoll, and Minami Torishima due to feather hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Laysan albatross?
The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is a large, gull-like seabird that dominates the North Pacific, with nearly all of its roughly 1.18 million birds nesting across the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It was first formally described in 1893 by Lionel Walter Rothschild from a specimen collected on Laysan Island, which gave the species its common name.
What is the Laysan albatross's role in the Pacific ecosystem?
As the second-most abundant seabird in the Hawaiian archipelago, it acts as a major conduit for moving nutrients from open-ocean prey back to island nesting colonies. Its complex social structures and long lifespan also make it a key indicator of overall North Pacific marine health.
How big is the Laysan albatross?
Adults measure about 81 cm (32 in) in length with a wingspan reaching roughly 195–203 cm (77–80 in). Males typically weigh between 2.4 and 4.1 kg, while females range from 1.9 to 3.6 kg.
Where does the Laysan albatross live?
About 99.7% of the population is concentrated in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, though individuals forage across the broader North Pacific. The species is currently expanding its breeding range to additional islands beyond its historic core colonies.
Why is the Laysan albatross important to researchers and bird fans?
Its remarkable longevity and intricate social behaviors make it one of the most studied long-lived seabirds in the world. With a population exceeding a million birds and a steadily growing range, it stands as a living symbol of North Pacific marine resilience.
More in Birds of the Pacific Ocean 1-24
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