There are 22 species of large seabirds in this family. They range in size from 27-55 inches and can have wingspans of up to 13 feet. They have thick, slightly curved bills with a pair of tubular nostrils and long, narrow wings. Most species are white, gray, or brown.
Albatrosses spend most of their time at sea and only come in to land to breed. They are found in the Pacific Ocean, the southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. Albatrosses dive from the surface of the water to catch fish, squid, and krill. They nest in large colonies. Most species return to the place where they were born to nest. Females lay a single egg in a depression in the ground. Males help care for and feed the chick. Male and female pairs may mate for life. Albatrosses can live as long as 50 years! World Status Key US Status Key
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