EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Waved Colony

Waved Albatross (Diomedea [Phoebastria] irrorata), Family Diomedeidae
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Explanation:  Welcome to the amazing Galapagos Islands in equatorial Pacific Ocean off the coast of (and part of) Ecuador, South America.  

We are viewing a breeding colony of Waved Albatrosses, the largest bird of the Galapagos, on Hood Island.  Adults attain a wingspan up to 7.7 feet (2.35 meters) and can weigh up to about 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg).

We are witnessing behaviors that are cementing and re-affirming pair bonds, including mutual preening, bill-touching, and bill-clacking.  On the nests are some of the largest chicks you will see.

The total population of Waved Albatrosses -- which occurs only on the Galapagos Islands -- likely numbers not much more than twelve thousand pairs.