Laysan Albatross Is The Oldest Living Wild Bird #birding #birds

And she's still raising chicks!

That's right.  According to bird banding records, a Laysan albatross on the Midway Atoll is now officially the oldest living (and breeding birds) in the wild!  She's at least 60, but most likely older than that, since she was already breeding when she was initially banded.  According to the press release from USGS:

"A Laysan albatross named Wisdom, is at least 60 years old and was spotted in February 2011 raising a chick at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Pacific Islands. The bird has sported and worn out 5 bird bands since she was first banded by U.S. Geological Survey scientist Chandler Robbins in 1956 as she incubated an egg. Robbins estimated Wisdom to be at least 5 years old then since this is the earliest age at which these birds breed, though they more typically breed at 8 or 9 after an involved courtship lasting several years. This means, of course, that Wisdom is more likely to be in her early sixties."

When you think about all the hazards that face albatross from ingesting plastic and lead to the sheer amount of energy and distance they travel when not breeding, this is amazing.  Here's the current list of the top ten longevity records according to bird banding studies.  Interesting to note the the oldest birds tend to be fish eaters.

Valentine's Inspiration 7

Once again, we look to Sir David Attenborough for bird inspiration for hot moves on Valentine's Day.  This time, we're watching one of my favorite courtship rituals: albatross.  Below is a video for waved albatross: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2XyDF4cdpA&feature=related[/youtube]

My goodness, the first part was getting me a tad hot under the collar--such tenderness with such sharp beaks!  Then when the birds made their strange noises and odd dance movies, it reminded me of what I think people must think Non Birding Bill and I are like.  We've been together since 1994 that we have a sort of a twin speak when we have conversations and we've been known to flail in odd synchronization from time to time.  But that's all part of reestablishing that pair bond.

Incidentally, props to Sir David.  How many naturalists do you know who can keep a straight face and make you feel as though you should give your full attention and not giggle like a thirteen year old while a pair of albatross are knocking the boots right in front of him.  Well played, Sir, well played.

If you would like more albatross information, check out this video from Arkive--these are laysan albatross and they make some CRAZY clicking sounds.