Albatross

Biology

•  Migratory; Its largest breeding colony is on Torishima Island, south of Japan.  For the summer months, the short-tailed albatross travels north to the Bering Sea.

• Adults can have wingspans of over 7 feet.

• Only one egg is laid per pair and both members of the couple incubate the egg and feed the young.

• Albatross feed on shrimp, small fish and squid.

Threats

• Entanglement in long-line fishing poses a continual threat to this bird.

•  At the end of the 19th century , the short-tailed albatross was almost wiped out by the demand for its feathers for down and hats. Fewer than 2,000 birds are currently alive creating limited breeding options.

•  Main Colony is found on a volcanic island where ash and weather pose threat.