The snowy albatross, also known as the wandering albatross, white-winged albatross, or goonie, is a large seabird from the family Diomedeidae; they have a circumpolar range in the Southern Ocean. It is the largest species of albatross and was long considered to be the same species as the Tristan albatross and the Antipodean albatross. Together with the Amsterdam albatross, it forms the wandering albatross species complex, which some began referring to more recently as "snowy".
Region
Southern Ocean
Typical Environment
This species ranges circumpolarly across the Southern Ocean, spending most of its life in pelagic waters. It breeds on remote subantarctic islands including South Georgia, Crozet, Kerguelen, Prince Edward and Marion, and Macquarie. At sea it frequents productive frontal zones, continental shelf edges, and open ocean far from land. Nests are built on open, windswept slopes and plateaus with tussock or low vegetation. After breeding, adults disperse widely and may circumnavigate the globe.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The snowy albatross (wandering albatross) has the longest wingspan of any living bird, reaching up to about 3.5 m, allowing it to glide for hours with barely a wingbeat. It uses dynamic soaring over ocean winds to travel vast distances around the Southern Ocean. Pairs often mate for life and breed only every two years due to the long chick-rearing period. Bycatch in longline and trawl fisheries is a key threat.
In flight
Snowy albatrosses have the longest wingspan of any living bird.
Egg of Diomedea exulans
Snowy albatross at South Georgia Island
Temperament
solitary at sea, social at colonies
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it is largely solitary, roaming vast oceanic distances. At colonies, pairs perform elaborate courtship displays and usually form long-term bonds. Nests are well-spaced, and both parents incubate the single egg and feed the chick for many months. Breeding is typically biennial due to the prolonged care period.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Mostly silent at sea, but at colonies it produces loud braying calls, wails, and moans. Bill-clapping and wing displays accompany vocalizations during courtship and territorial interactions.
