Latin name : Diomeda irrorata

Population : 12000 couples
Max weight : 3 to 4 kgs
Wingspan : 2,5 metres
Lifespan : 20 years

The albatross is totally awkward on land, yet a marvel of the skies when it glides above the ocean. In addition to this fascinating contrast, their mating dance is absolutely hilarious. The photos below show the different poses adopted by the couple. The dance is accompanied by equally comical clappings of the beak. Not to be missed!

Reproduction:
The albatross is a migratory bird who returns every year to the island of Espanola, from mid-April to the end of October, to reproduce. The albatross mates for life. The mating dance takes place at the end of the reproductive cycle which enables the couple to mate as soon as they return the following year.* At the beginning of May, the female lays a single egg of 280 grams which will be hatched for two months. When it's born the fledgling is looked after by its parents for 15 days. After this period, it joins a group of other albatross chicks. Returning from fishing expeditions parents and chicks recognize each other by their cries. The little ones are fed on fish oil secreted by the parents from their stomachs. At six months old, the young birds are fully grown and start to fly, whereupon they leave the Galapagos for 4 to 5 years before returning as an adult to mate and reproduce.