Difference between revisions of "Albatross"
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==Types of albatross== | ==Types of albatross== | ||
| − | Scientists disagree about how many species of abatross exist; between thirtenn and twenty-four have been proposed. however, some species have become well known, including the [[ | + | |
| + | Scientists disagree about how many species of abatross exist; between thirtenn and twenty-four have been proposed. however, some species have become well known, including the [[wandering albatross]], sometimes said to have the longest wingspan of any bird - up to twelve feet. | ||
Six species of albatross are known in american waters: | Six species of albatross are known in american waters: | ||
| − | * [[Short-tailed | + | * [[Short-tailed albatross]] - breeds off [[Japan]]; now down to about 1,000 individuals. it can be seen off the [[Pacific]] coast |
| − | * [[Shy | + | * [[Shy albatross]] - can be seen from [[Washington state]] to [[California]]. |
| − | * [[Laysan | + | * [[Laysan albatross]] - breeds in [[hawaii]], but also seen off the western mainland. |
| − | * [[Black-footed | + | * [[Black-footed albatross]] -also breeds in hawaii, but can be seen every year off the western mainland. |
| − | * [[Yellow-nosed | + | * [[Yellow-nosed albatross]] - a rare visitor to the [[atlantic]] and [[Gulf of Mexico|Gulf]] coast, probably from nesting sites in [[Tristan da Cunha]] island. |
| − | * [[Black-browed | + | * [[Black-browed albatross]] - a very rare visitor to American waters, but has been seen in [[Europe]]an waters several times. |
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| + | [[Image:Waved_albatross.jpg|150px|thumb|right!Waved albatross]]The [[waved albatross|waved]] or Galapagos albatross is the only member of the family native to the tropics. It breeds exclusively on Espanola Island. | ||
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==Albatrosses in legend== | ==Albatrosses in legend== | ||
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The albatross is well-known for its role in [[superstition]]. Albatrosses often follow ships, and wre believed to be the souls of drowned sailors. it was considered to be bad luck to kill one. In [[Samuel Taylor Coleridge]]'s epic poem ''[[The Rime of the Ancient Mariner]]'', the mariner of the title tells a tale of the grim consequences of killing one of the birds. | The albatross is well-known for its role in [[superstition]]. Albatrosses often follow ships, and wre believed to be the souls of drowned sailors. it was considered to be bad luck to kill one. In [[Samuel Taylor Coleridge]]'s epic poem ''[[The Rime of the Ancient Mariner]]'', the mariner of the title tells a tale of the grim consequences of killing one of the birds. | ||
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==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
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* ''The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America'' (National Geographic Society 2002) | * ''The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America'' (National Geographic Society 2002) | ||
* [http://www.kcc.org.nz/birds/albatross.asp Albatross facts] | * [http://www.kcc.org.nz/birds/albatross.asp Albatross facts] | ||
Revision as of 03:03, July 22, 2007
Albatrosses are large seabirds, normally found far out in the ocean. they use their very long wings to glide just above the waves, occasionally catching fish and squid. Albatrosses make their nests in large colonies on remote islands. they mate for life.
Types of albatross
Scientists disagree about how many species of abatross exist; between thirtenn and twenty-four have been proposed. however, some species have become well known, including the wandering albatross, sometimes said to have the longest wingspan of any bird - up to twelve feet.
Six species of albatross are known in american waters:
- Short-tailed albatross - breeds off Japan; now down to about 1,000 individuals. it can be seen off the Pacific coast
- Shy albatross - can be seen from Washington state to California.
- Laysan albatross - breeds in hawaii, but also seen off the western mainland.
- Black-footed albatross -also breeds in hawaii, but can be seen every year off the western mainland.
- Yellow-nosed albatross - a rare visitor to the atlantic and Gulf coast, probably from nesting sites in Tristan da Cunha island.
- Black-browed albatross - a very rare visitor to American waters, but has been seen in European waters several times.
The waved or Galapagos albatross is the only member of the family native to the tropics. It breeds exclusively on Espanola Island.
Albatrosses in legend
The albatross is well-known for its role in superstition. Albatrosses often follow ships, and wre believed to be the souls of drowned sailors. it was considered to be bad luck to kill one. In Samuel Taylor Coleridge's epic poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, the mariner of the title tells a tale of the grim consequences of killing one of the birds.
In 1959 the crew of the ship Calpean Star, docked at Liverpool, refused to continue their voyage after they blamed on-board accidents on an albatross in the cargo, which was being taken to a zoo.
Sources
- The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America (National Geographic Society 2002)
- Albatross facts
- The Albatross in superstition