adult; little sexual dimorphism except in size (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-12)


Laysan Albatross
Phoebastria immutabilis

Native Range: Pacific Ocean

Notes: an impressive bird that spends most of its time at sea, except when nesting when it breeds in colonies typically on isolated sandy islands; one of the most abundant seabirds in the Hawaiian Islands, with about 16 nesting sites and a total population size in excess of two million individuals; a bird's wingspan can approach seven feet and its weight can reach nearly eight pounds.

a strong and beautiful flyer; note smudge around eye (Hawaii; 2007-04-12)
dorsal view; dark brown above; white head, rump (Hawaii; 2007-04-12)

ventral view; mostly white body below; mottled wings (Hawaii; 2007-04-12)
adult whit downy chick (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-12)

pair of adults with chick on nesting site (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-12)
downy chick (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-12)

posing for a portrait; hooked bill, light with dark tip (Hawaii; 2007-04-12)