Laysan Albatross - Ross Feldner

One of the great soaring birds in the world is the Laysan Albatross. Their range encompasses the entire Pacific Ocean but the Hawaiian Islands are home to 99.7% of the population. They were first described in 1893 by Lionel Rothchild based on a specimen from Laysan Island from which they get their name.

With the largest wingspan of any living bird, around 80 inches, they are able to travel hundreds of miles per day with nary a wingbeat. These masters of the air have made documented journeys of over 4,000 miles across the Pacific!

In the world of bird lore they are considered a sign of good luck by sailors and feature prominently in the epic poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

The Laysan Albatross is considered near threatened as its environment and breeding grounds are under serious threat due to climate change and sea level rise as well as plastic debris and longline fishing.