Laysan Albatross | Oceana
Home / Laysan Albatross
Marine Life Encyclopedia > Seabirds > Laysan Albatross

Laysan Albatross

Laysan albatrosses travel astonishing distances throughout their lifetimes. Some estimates predict they can spend as long as five years at sea before returning to land to nest.  

 

These albatrosses nest and breed on islands, including those off the coast of western Mexico,  Hawaiian Islands, and on some of Japan’s Bonin Islands. When they’re not breeding, these birds can be found throughout the Pacific Ocean.  

They typically migrate from Hawaii towards Japan in July. In August, they migrate northeast, and south in November. Laysan albatrosses spend almost all of their time in the air during migration seasons — only landing on the water to feed or sleep.  During nesting season, these birds prefer to be near sand dunes and in sandy or grassy areas, usually at sea level.  

Laysan albatrosses have white bodies and heads, and dark coloration around their eyes and on the tips of their bills. They have dark backs and upper wings, but the feathers under their wings are white. Their iconic wingspan ranges from 1.95-2.03 meters (6.3-6.6 feet) wide!  

These birds mate for life, and their lifespans can range from 12 to 51 years. Laysan albatrosses are known for their courtship rituals which consist of an elaborate dance.  

 

 

Laysan albatrosses are currently listed as near threatened under the IUCN Red List. In the late 1900’s, Laysan albatrosses were frequently killed by drift nets. Today, Laysan albatrosses are still frequently entangled in longline fishing nets. Additionally, their habitat faces threats like storms and flooding, and it is predicted that rising sea-levels as a result of climate change will further alter their nesting habitat as most nets are located on low-lying islands. Laysan albatrosses are also vulnerable to oil spills and ingesting plastic which is often mistaken for food.  

 

 

Protecting the key habitats that Laysan albatrosses rely on for survival and breeding is key to protecting the future of this species. Oceana actively campaigns to protect critical habitat by stopping the expansion of offshore drilling, tackling the plastic pollution crisis, and promoting responsible fishing practices. Learn more about Oceana’s campaigns to get involved. 

 

 

 

GET INVOLVED

DONATE TODAY

SUPPORT OUR WORK TO PROTECT THE OCEANS BY GIVING TODAY

With the support of more than 1 million activists like you, we have already protected over 4 million square miles of ocean.

DONATE

TAKE ACTION NOW

SUPPORT POLICY CHANGE FOR THE OCEANS

Decision-makers need to hear from ocean lovers like you. Make your voice heard!

ACT NOW

VISIT OUR ADOPTION CENTER

SYMBOLICALLY ADOPT AN ANIMAL TODAY

Visit our online store to see all the ocean animals you can symbolically adopt, either for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

SHOP THE STORE

DOWNLOAD OCEAN ACTIVITIES

HELP KIDS DISCOVER OUR BLUE PLANET

Our free KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) empower children to learn about and protect our oceans!

LEARN MORE

FEATURED CAMPAIGN

Save the Oceans, Feed the World

We are restoring the world’s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for people.

Learn More

MORE CAMPAIGNS

Protect Habitat

Bycatch

Plastics

View All

CONTACT

Oceana International Headquarters
1025 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036 USA

General Inquiries
+1(202)-833-3900
info@oceana.org

Donation Inquiries
+1(202)-569-4895
wavemaker@oceana.org

Press Inquiries
+1(202)-833-3900
press@oceana.org

OCEANA'S EFFICIENCY

BECOME A WAVEMAKER

Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT WITH A DONATION

We have already protected over 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done.

Donate Now

QUICK LINKS: