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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Albatross

Albatrosses are large seabirds in the family Diomedeidae, within the order Procellariiformes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Albatrosses are large seabirds in the family Diomedeidae, within the order Procellariiformes. They are known for long, narrow wings, efficient gliding flight, and life spent mostly at sea, mainly in the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific. Taxonomy is still debated, with sources commonly recognizing about 21 to 22 species in four genera.

Taxonomy and classification

Albatrosses belong to the family Diomedeidae in the order Procellariiformes, which also includes petrels and shearwaters. Sources commonly place them in four genera: Diomedea, Thalassarche, Phoebastria, and Phoebetria.

Physical characteristics

Albatrosses are among the largest seabirds and are noted for their long, narrow wings and hooked bills. The wandering albatross is widely cited as having the greatest wingspan of any living bird.

Distribution and habitat

Albatrosses range widely over oceanic waters, especially in the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific. They spend most of their lives at sea and typically come ashore only to breed.

Diet and behaviour

These birds feed mainly on squid and fish, but also eat crustaceans and other marine food. They are famous for efficient soaring flight, which allows them to travel great distances with little flapping.

Conservation status

Many albatross species face threats from longline fishing bycatch and other human impacts. Several species are listed as threatened, and population declines are a major conservation concern.

Key facts

  • Albatrosses are large seabirds in the family Diomedeidae.
  • They are adapted for long-distance gliding flight over open ocean.
  • Most species occur in the Southern Hemisphere, with a few in the North Pacific.
  • Taxonomy is unsettled, with species totals varying by source.
  • Several species are threatened, often because of fishing bycatch.
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Canadian context

Albatrosses are of interest to Canadian readers through North Pacific species that may occur along the Pacific coast and in broader North Pacific ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions

What is an albatross?
An albatross is a large seabird in the family Diomedeidae, known for long-distance gliding flight over the open ocean.
How many species of albatross are there?
The number varies by classification, but sources commonly describe about 21 to 22 species in four genera.
Where do albatrosses live?
They live mainly in the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific, spending most of their lives at sea.
What do albatrosses eat?
They mainly eat squid and fish, and also take crustaceans and carrion.
Which albatross has the largest wingspan?
The wandering albatross is commonly described as having the largest wingspan of any living bird.
Are albatrosses threatened?
Many species are threatened, with fishing bycatch identified as a major cause of mortality.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albatross
    Supports: Family Diomedeidae, general classification, four genera, species-count range.
  2. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/albatrosses
    Supports: Scientific family, diet, lifespan, seabird overview.
  3. Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand — https://teara.govt.nz/en/albatrosses
    Supports: Habitat, size, morphology, diet, Southern Hemisphere distribution.
  4. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — https://www.fws.gov/story/albatross-lifetime-sea
    Supports: Number of species and long-distance gliding flight.
  5. RSPB — https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-we-do/protecting-species-and-habitats/species-spotlight/species-spotlight-grey-headed-albatross
    Supports: Threats from bycatch and conservation concern.