Seabird Picture of the Month, September 2005:
Laysan Albatross Courtship
photo by Shiway Wang

Laysan Albatross may return to breeding islands at the age of three, but do not nest until they are seven or eight years old. First time breeders and non-breeders take part in an elaborate courtship dance that consists of 25 distinct postures. This courtship dance is associated with mate selection. The Laysan Albatross is monogamous and pair bonds remain intact until death or disappearance of the partner. In this picture, the bird on the right is displaying a “Sky Call” as part of the courtship dance.

The Laysan Albatross is distributed throughout the North Pacific Ocean where they feed primarily on squid, which make up about 65% of the diet. Laysan Albatross also feed on flying fish eggs, crustaceans, and fish. Although they roam throughout the North Pacific Ocean, they breed in only a few locations in the Hawaiian Archipelago and three small islands off the coast of Mexico. Colonies once existed on islands near Japan, but were decimated by feather hunters near the turn of the 20th century.

Text by Michelle St. Peters.

To learn more about other seabirds, browse the Seabird Flash Cards on the Seabird Page of this website.