Española Island in the Galapagos is the world’s only breeding site for the Waved Albatross. The birds arrive in the Galapagos around April, where they meet up with their life-long mates. Upon landing an elaborate courtship ritual is performed, in which the albatross will bow to one another, stand straight up bills wide open, honk, and then clack their bills together like sword-fighting. One egg is laid each year, and while we think they mate for life, through genetics scientists have discovered that the chicks are not always the offspring of the mated male—sometimes sneakier males get in a little action before the mated male arrives on island! The parents share responsibility for incubating the egg and feeding the chick once it is born. Strangely, the waved albatross in the Galapagos are known to roll their eggs while incubating. It is unclear why they do this.
Galapagos's Waved Albatross: Exploring Galapagos Islands' Birds | Celebrity Cruises
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