The Albatross Stays Airborne For Months
In one single mating season, an albatross covers a distance corresponding to several times around the world to find food for its offspring. That can only be done because of the bird's highly efficient flying technique.
The albatross uses its huge wing span to take advantage of the high winds over the Southern Ocean. The bird breeds on many of the small islands near Antarctica, but its food comes from the ocean, and the search for food is a strenuous one. Adult birds with offspring to feed must often fly thousands of km to find fish and squid – corresponding to several times around the world during a mating season. The only chance of resting is sitting on the water, whose surface is also frequented by predators such as sharks and whales. To avoid their hungry bites, the albatross has evolved the ability to sleep in the air. In this way, the bird can remain on its wings for weeks and months at a time.
The flying skills of the albatross are primarily due to its long, narrow wings, which make the bird extremely manoeuvrable and allow it to take advantage of the slightest wind patterns changes over the ocean. The large bird can glide fast for long distances – more or less without flapping its wings and consuming valuable energy.
The flying practice begins, when the young birds leave their nest, heading for the ocean. After that, they will not land on dry land again, until they are sexually mature 8-9 years later.