Albatross Bird in Galapagos

The Albatross bird is the largest bird in the Galapagos Islands and is getting ready to depart, as it follows the cool waters back to lower southern latitudes.

Albatrosses nest only on Espa�ola (Hood) Island, and live here from late March through early January.

The sole purpose of coming here is to reproduce, and so all their mating efforts must succeed before the arrival of the warm waters.

Galapagos Albatross Bird

Albatross bird in galapagos islands

This also brings the first rains, and their inland habitat is just impossible for them to cope with, as grasses particularly turn the dessert-like environment into a thick green lush jungle.

Their offspring must be ready to leave too, as sub-adults (adults with no previous mating experience), and so from October through December the most amazing flying lessons and wing exercises are witnessed on those brand new individuals.

Lots of downy feathers are seen being swept by the wind; the newer feathers are just coming out, and the albatross bird must be ready to take off.

Because of their big size, the young adults cannot have a second chance to take off.

Once they jump off the cliffs near Punta Su�rez, they will start their long journey until the nutrient-rich waters start heading back to the islands.

When resting in the surface of the water the Albatross will literally walk on water while flapping their wings vigorously before lifting themselves off the ocean.

Albatross bird needs food availability in the ocean, accessible terrain for nesting and walking, and cliffs nearby for taking off.

The arrival of the warm waters will bring some rain, and this causes the rapid growth of vegetation.

It is different from other sea birds because albatrosses need to walk from the interior of the island toward the cliffs before flying out.

Watching Albatrosses birds on Hood Island is certainly a highlight.

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Galapagos Recommended Reading:

A Guide to the Birds of the Galapagos Islands
It offers unprecedented comprehensive coverage. This field guide presents every species to have been recorded within the archipelago, including accidentals and vagrants.
Beautiful line drawings, often showing interesting aspects of bird behavior, complement a concise, accessible, and informative text.

An Identification Guide to the Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galpagos Islands
This is the first comprehensive guide to the unique wildlife of the Galapagos, encompassing the birds, mammals, and reptiles a visitor to these extraordinary islands might encounter.

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