The black-footed albatross is 25.2-29.1 inches (64-74 cm) in length with a wingspan of 6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 m).
It has brown to black feathers with white around its eyes and bill. It has a large brown bill with a curved tip and black feet.
Males are larger than females.
The black-footed albatross is found on open ocean waters and ocean islands.
In the summer, the black-footed albatross often follows fishing boats to feed on the waste. Its diet is mostly made up of fish, fish eggs, and squid.
It scoops up its food from the surface of the ocean and catches most of its food at night.
The black-footed albatross nests in colonies on islands. Mating season runs from November to February. Females and males do a mating ritual that involves twining their necks together and flapping their wings.
Females lay one egg in a shallow depression in the ground. Both the male and the female incubate the egg and feed the chick regurgitated food.
Once a chick leaves the nest, it won’t return to the breeding island for five or six years, when it is fully mature.
The black-footed albatross mates for life. It has a lifespan of up to 40 years in the wild.
The black-footed albatross chases other predators away from its food by spreading its wings and screaming at them.
Support for NatureWorks Redesign is provided by:
The black-footed albatross breeds on islands in the mid-Pacific Ocean. Non-breeding albatrosses can be found along the Pacific coast of North America.
NHPBS inspires one million Granite Staters each month with engaging and trusted local and national programs on-air, online, in classrooms and in communities.
