EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Northern Royal Albatross (Diomedea epomophora sanfordi,
sometimes considered a separate species D. sanfordi),
South Island, New Zealand

Explanation:   Confined to the southern hemisphere, the Royal Albatross is one of the largest of flying birds, measuring 75-125 cm (30-50 inches) from bill tip to tail tip, and with a wingspan of up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet)!

This bird was soaring low over ocean winds just off its breeding colony site at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula of South Island, New Zealand.  This is the only mainland breeding colony of this species; other colonies are found on various remote islands off New Zealand's two main islands.  

At Taiaroa Head the breeding colony can be observed up close in its windy grassy habitat from an observatory, without disturbing the nesting birds.  

Albatrosses are amazing masters of long-distance flight, and can soar low over ocean winds for very long periods of time without flapping their wings.  The Royal Albatross ranges at sea as a true pelagic species, and can be found from southern Australia to southern South America.