Laysan Albatross
Phoebastria immutabilis
黑背信天翁
Introduction
A large seabird in the family Diomedeidae, ranging across the North Pacific. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands hold 99.7% of the global population, making this the second-most common seabird in the Hawaiian Islands with an estimated 1.18 million birds. Colonial nesting on scattered islands and atolls characterizes its breeding behavior. The species is currently expanding its range to new islands, including locations off Mexico. The IUCN classifies it as Near Threatened, following recovery from severe population declines caused by early 20th-century feather hunting.
Description
Average length is 81 cm with a wingspan of 195-203 cm. Males weigh 2.4-4.1 kg and females 1.9-3.6 kg. The upperwing, mantle, back, upper rump, and tail are blackish-gray, while the head, lower rump, and underparts are white. A distinctive black smudge surrounds the eye. The bill is pink with a dark tip. Underwing patterns vary among individuals, with differences in black margins and coverts. Juveniles differ with gray bills and dark upper rumps. This species lacks a distinct breeding plumage, with immature birds resembling adults.
Identification
In the North Pacific, identification is straightforward due to limited similar species. Readily distinguished from the all-black black-footed albatross. Separated from the rare short-tailed albatross by its two-toned back and smaller size. The plumage resembles a gull with dark gray mantle and wings contrasting with white underparts and head. Underwing pattern variation helps distinguish individual birds. The combination of dark upperparts and white head/underparts is diagnostic within its range.
Distribution & Habitat
Wide-ranging across the North Pacific with 16 documented nesting sites. The breeding population concentrates in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, particularly Midway and Laysan, accounting for over 90% of pairs. Small populations nest in the Bonin Islands near Japan and have colonized islands off Mexico including Guadalupe Island and the Revillagigedo Archipelago. Protected within the Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve. Non-breeding range extends from Japan to the Bering Sea and south to 15°N latitude.
Behavior & Ecology
Normally silent but occasionally emits long mooing sounds, descending whinnies, or rattles. Forms long-term pair bonds, with elaborate courtship dances featuring up to 25 ritualized movements. Females may bond for life and cooperatively raise young. Same-sex female pairs occur, notably on Oahu where 31% of pairs are female-female; these pairs successfully breed using eggs fertilized by males. Breeding season runs November to July in Hawaii. Incubation takes 65 days, followed by 160 days to fledging. Feeds predominantly on cephalopods, supplemented by fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Known to hybridize with black-footed albatross.
Conservation
IUCN Near Threatened status, downlisted from Vulnerable following population recovery. Population estimated at 1.18 million mature birds as of 2006. Breeding range covers 3,500 km² with an occurrence range of 38,800,000 km². Historical threats from feather hunting and high-seas drift nets have ceased, but longline fisheries remain a concern. Lead poisoning from paint on Midway Atoll historically killed an estimated 10,000 chicks annually, representing 5% of hatched chicks. Remediation efforts began in 2011, and by August 2018, Midway Atoll was declared lead-free. The species was extirpated from Wake Island, Johnston Atoll, and Minami Torishima. Mexican populations are increasing.
Culture
This species holds cultural significance in Native Hawaiian traditions as a seabird of the islands. The type specimen was collected from Laysan Island, one of its primary breeding colonies in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Procellariiformes
- Family
- Diomedeidae
- Genus
- Phoebastria
- eBird Code
- layalb
Distribution
breeds western Hawaiian and Revillagigedo islands; ranges North Pacific
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.