Study of the Galapagos Albatross aka the Waved Albatross

The Galapagos or “Waved” Albatross is the largest seabird on the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and an endemic species, only found on the Galapagos Archipelago. To enhance their uniqueness, they exclusively nest on the southern island of Española or Hood. These magnificent birds, masters of the sea and wind currents, come regularly to breed and nest on Española Island, every year, between May and December. The rest of the year, when the islands become warmer in temperature and the inland waters poorer in food sources, they migrate to remote corners of the Pacific.

Such is their importance, that an ongoing field study to monitor them is being conducted for years by the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station, to learn more about their population size, habits, dynamics and threats, in order to guarantee their long-term preservation and appropriate management measures. Scientists Doctors David Anderson, Kate Huywaert and Jill Awkerman from Colorado State University along with Ecuadorian research associate Gustavo Jimenez have been regularly monitoring the main nesting sites of the Galapagos Albatrosses, since more than a decade. The focal points are both located on the south side of Española Island, at Punta Suarez and Punta Cevallos.

Since 1999, some 4500 albatrosses have been banded and followed to study their flying patterns and distance accomplishments while away from the islands; their feeding habits and habitats while breeding and roosting in the Archipelago, as well as while flying for months over the Ocean. The most recent figures show a relatively stable population, somewhere around 35.000 individuals, with a small declining tendency detected in the last years. This might be related, according to preliminary conclusions of the studies, to the use of dangerous fishing techniques such as the long-lines and, occasionally, to natural phenomena like El Niño events. The study’s predominant aim is to establish and update the species’ population status and their main threats. On the most recent field trip, two hundred individuals were surveyed and a capture-and-recapture program methodology was standardized.

The name “waved” albatross derives from the undulating brown patterns found horizontally along their dazzling white breast, which contrasts with the dark brown of their wings and backs. A very long, sturdy, wide, pointed and hooked beak, of a bright yellow color, makes these birds a marvel to watch, both on land, in flight or sometimes floating adrift, in large numbers, over the ocean’s surface. They nest on the bare ground, preferably close to cliff areas, from where they can take flight making use of the upward wind currents, considering their big body’s weight. They feed on mid-sized fish and squid, captured by plunge diving mostly in open waters, a distance away from their only home island.

For the travelers, the only place where these marvelous creatures can be seen is in Punta Suarez, on the southwestern extreme of Española Island, an authorized National Park visitor’s site, where, between May and July, a fabulous courtship dance is staged by them, featuring a dramatic and perfectly synchronized “bill-fencing” match between the courting pair, complemented by antics such as bill-hiding under the wing; bill clapping and snatching and curious “uuuuuing” and siren-type sounds. On the following months they will guard the nest, male and female taking turns, while the other bird in the pair searches for food.

After approximately 55 days, the large single egg will hatch and reveal a large, clumsy and somewhat “sloppy” looking good-sized ball of brown fluff, the newly born chick. The pair will also take turns at protecting the chick and bringing in its food, which is provided to them by using the typical sea-bird technique of regurgitating the semi-digested fish oil directly inside the chick’s throat. Towards November, the young birds begin their flying practices, near and along the cliff sides, ready to leave, together with the adults, on their first off-shore voyage, when the scorching January to March heat reaches the islands.

This is a perfect example of how and why the Galapagos are considered a “Living Laboratory of Nature”; providing the scientists and naturalists with great research and studying opportunities; while the tourists, on the right time and itineraries, can be witnesses of one more of the marvels of Galapagos nature, represented by these unique and enchanting birds...