Diomedeidae

The Diomedeidae are a family of seabirds in the order Procellariiformes. They are commonly known as albatrosses. Albatrosses are large, long-winged seabirds that are found in the Southern Hemisphere and the North Pacific Ocean. They are characterized by their long, narrow wings, which are adapted for soaring flight. They have a distinctive hooked beak, which is used to catch fish and squid.

Thalassarche steadi

Thalassarche salvini

Thalassarche cauta

Thalassarche chlororhynchos

Thalassarche melanophris

Thalassarche eremita

Thalassarche bulleri

Thalassarche chrysostoma

Thalassarche carteri

Thalassarche impavida

Common Names

The common name for Diomedeidae is "albatross."

Characteristics

Albatrosses are among the largest of all seabirds. They have a wingspan of up to 11 feet (3.3 meters) and can weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kg). They are known for their long, narrow wings, which are adapted for soaring flight. Albatrosses can fly for days or even weeks without landing, using the wind to propel them forward. They have a distinctive hooked beak, which is used to catch fish and squid. Albatrosses also have a distinctive gait on land, where they waddle on their short legs.

Environments

Albatrosses are found in the Southern Hemisphere and the North Pacific Ocean. They breed on islands, where they nest in colonies. Albatrosses are highly migratory, traveling long distances in search of food. They feed on squid, fish, and other marine animals. Some species of albatrosses are endangered due to habitat loss, bycatch, and climate change.

References

Wikipedia: Diomedeidae
All About Birds: Albatrosses