The Laysan albatross is a large seabird that ranges across the North Pacific. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to 99.7% of the population. This small gull-like albatross is the second-most common seabird in the Hawaiian Islands, with an estimated population of 1.18 million birds, and is currently expanding its range to new islands. The Laysan albatross was first described as Diomedea immutabilis by Lionel Walter Rothschild, in 1893, on the basis of a specimen from Laysan Island.
Region
North Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeding is concentrated on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, especially Midway Atoll, Laysan, Kure, and smaller colonies on several main Hawaiian Islands. Smaller breeding colonies occur on islands off Mexico (e.g., Guadalupe and San Benito) and have been reported sporadically in Japan. Outside the breeding season, birds range widely across the North Pacific, from subtropical Hawaiian waters to temperate zones off Alaska, the west coast of North America, and Japan. At sea they are highly pelagic, favoring oceanic fronts and productive upwelling zones. Nesting habitat is open, sandy or grassy coastal flats and dunes on low oceanic islands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Laysan albatrosses are masterful dynamic soarers, traveling thousands of kilometers across the North Pacific with minimal wingbeats. They form long-term pair bonds and perform elaborate courtship dances. Individuals can live for decades; one famous female, “Wisdom,” is over 70 years old and has raised many chicks. Ingestion of plastic and longline bycatch are major threats at sea.
Laysan albatross landing on water near one of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska
Laysan albatross with chick on Midway
The then c. 60-year-old female named Wisdom with her chick, March 2011
Chick, Midway Atoll
Laysan albatross rookery on Midway Atoll
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
They nest in dense colonies and show strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nest area year after year. Pairs perform coordinated dances with bows, bill clacking, and whistles to reinforce pair bonds. A single egg is laid per season, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include whistles, moans, grunts, and bill clacking, especially during courtship displays. Calls are generally soft at sea and more frequent and varied at colonies.
