WANDERING ALBATROSS Diomedea exulans

WANDERING ALBATROSS Diomedea exulans

L 110–135 cm, WS 272–345 cm.

IDENTIFICATION 

Vagrant from Southern Oceans. Very large, especially long-winged albatross, substantially larger than the mollymawks and with a very different plumage pattern at any age. Often follows ships. Species distinguished by huge size, largely white underwing with dark tip and narrow dark trailing edge, large pale pink bill, and feet projecting well beyond tail in flight. Adult also distinguished by white back, largely white upperwing and
white tail (often with black sides), quite unlike mollymawks, which have all-dark backs and upperwings and darkish tails. Juvenile also distinguished by wholly dark brown plumage (apart from white face patch and largely white underwing). Immature in any stage also distinguished by presence of at least some white on back and upperwing (see Sex/Age). 

Confusion with species other than albatrosses unlikely. Gannets and boobies are much smaller, with different
shape (see family introduction). Plumage pattern only superficially similar: none shows combination of largely white underwing, with small dark tip and narrow dark trailing edge, and pale pink bill (and white face patch of juvenile Wandering).

SEX/AGE 

Adult female retains some dark markings on head, body and tail, with white area on upperwing less extensive than in male. Immatures show increasing extent of white with age. Show broad brown breast band and mostly dark upperparts in early years, then white patches on centre of upperwing and rather whitish back and rump contrasting with otherwise dark upperwing. Eventually head and body largely white with broad white wedge across centre of dark upperwing, before adult plumage finally attained after 20 years or more. 

VOICE 

Usually silent at sea, but sometimes gives a throaty bleating sound when squabbling over food. 

STATUS/HABITAT 

Vagrant (W Europe). Only smaller nominate race recorded to date. Away from breeding colonies pelagic, only locally coming close to shore.