Land Based Programs, Ecuador tour guides and travel specialists, we are happy to provide expert and free trip planning advice, The Galapagos Albatross can be seen at Punta Estrada in Española Island from the end of March to the beginning of January. Taking off is also rather tricky for such a large bird, and as a result these birds may run up to the edge of the cliff and jump off to propel themselves into the air. There have been some sightings on Galapagos albatrosses on Genovesa Island, but only a few, and again, this cannot be relied on. Waved albatross are susceptible to El Niño Southern Oscillations (ENSO) events, as this limits their food supply. The Galapagos albatross engages in a rather elaborate courtship dance, and if the timing is right you may be lucky enough to see this on your trip to the Galapagos Islands. In rare cases you might see a waved albatross that has been slow to leave the island at the beginning of January, but this is not to be relied on. no commitment fee involved. Sometimes eggs are abandoned in great numbers, and it is unclear why this phenomenon occurs. The waved albatross in the Galapagos is protected. The Galapagos albatross is the only bird in the albatross family that can be found living in the tropics. Google Reviews The incubation period lasts for around two months. Española Island located southeast of the Galapagos Archipelago is uninhabited. There are a few breeding pairs that have been found on Isla de la Plata, which is a small island off the Ecuadorian coast. Take your time to discover the true essence of the Galapagos, Quito – The middle of the world at 2850 metres, Peru and the Galapagos Islands Combination Tour, Barrier Free Tours in Ecuador & the Galapagos, Flights to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuadorian Culture Tips and Recommended Literature. There is also head nodding, and the birds waddle. It is important to note that when planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, this majestic bird is not present between January and March, and can only be seen between April and December. Amazon 3 Star Lodges The Galapagos Albatross reaches sexual maturity at the age of 4 to 6 years old and are excellent at fishing and feast exclusively on marine animals. Active Tours Towards the end of March, visitors can find large colonies of Galapagos Albatrosses in Española Island. The Galapagos albatross can only be seen on Espanola Island, and only between April and December. However, it is threatened, like many of the creatures to be found there, by tourism, fishing and disease. Seeing a waved albatross fly is quite the sight, as they are considered to be amazing flyers. The feet of this bird are a blue color, and they are webbed. Galapagos 4 Star Cruises The Best Aquarium Rock Buyers Guide – 2020, The Best Aquarium Plants – 2020 Buyers Guide, The Best Water Conditioner For Fish Tank – 2020 Guide, The Best Aquarium Thermometer Reviews – 2020 Guide, The Best Fish Tank Decorations – 2020 Guide. In addition, they can be scavengers, and they may look for other sources of food on the land, such as food that other birds have regurgitated. Amazon 4 Star Lodges The Galapagos albatross is the only bird in the albatross family that can be found living in the tropics. They usually lay their eggs from mid-April to June and the young ones begin to fly from the end of December to the beginning of January. The population is considered to be around 50,000 to 70,000 in size. All Rights Reserved, Check our, Best Amazon Rainforest Tours and Lodges for 2021, Guide to Organize a Galapagos Cruise Charter for 2021, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Covid-19 Update October: Open for Business. The chicks do not look for a partner immediately and are believed to spend several years out at sea (up to six years) before returning to mate. The juvenile birds are very similar looking to the grown-up birds, but they have more white coloring on their heads. The Galapagos Albatross, also known as the Waved Albatross, not only has one of the longest wingspans of all living creatures (only a foot short of Wandering Albatross’s wingspan, a close cousin, which holds the wingspan record), it can also spend up to five years at sea without ever touching land. They stay in the air for many hours and they rarely stall. The Galapagos Albatross is the largest bird in the archipelago with a wingspan of 230-240 cm. They also tend to ingest plastic that floats on the ocean’s surface. If we’re lucky, a great Galapagos tour experience is spotting an albatross, as you navigate from island to island, … Española Island located southeast of the Galapagos Archipelago is uninhabited. The waved albatross makes a strange sound during the dance, not dissimilar to the moo of a cow.