
The First Half of 2020 Included Some Good News for Birds
From coast to coast, bird conservationists reported these remarkable migration success stories.
Adults. Photo: Kat Paleckova/Audubon Photography Awards
Phoebastria immutabilis
Conservation status | Many colonies were decimated by feather hunters around beginning of 20th century, but population later recovered and expanded in range. Recent estimates suggest close to 600,000 breeding pairs. In the past, large numbers were killed by driftnets and longline fisheries; these threats have been reduced, but many now die after swallowing large amounts of floating plastic trash, apparently mistaking it for food. Sea level rise is likely to inundate some nesting colonies on islands. |
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Family | Albatrosses |
Habitat | Open ocean. Generally forages far from land, beyond continental shelf, and mainly over cold waters. Nests on open sandy or grassy areas on low, flat islands. |
Forages by seizing prey near water's surface while swimming. Does much feeding at night (when squid are closer to surface), and eyes are adapted for night vision.
One. Creamy white, spotted with brown. Incubation (by both sexes) averages 64-65 days. Young: For 12-24 days after egg hatches, one parent stays with young while other forages for food. Nestling fed by regurgitation, by both parents. Period from hatching to departure from island averages about 165 days.
For 12-24 days after egg hatches, one parent stays with young while other forages for food. Nestling fed by regurgitation, by both parents. Period from hatching to departure from island averages about 165 days.
Mostly squid. Small squid are apparently staple fare, as they are for some larger albatrosses of southern hemisphere. Also eats fish and fish eggs, crustaceans, some carrion and refuse.
First breeds at age of 7-9 years. Breeding season in Hawaii extends from November to July. Elaborate courtship "dance," performed only by first-time breeders and pre-breeders, includes many movements including bowing head, mutual preening, swinging head from side to side, pointing bill straight up while calling. Nest: Site is on open ground, preferably close to taller vegetation. Nest (begun by female, finished by both sexes) is shallow depression in ground, surrounded by built-up rim.
From coast to coast, bird conservationists reported these remarkable migration success stories.
A chance to highlight these magnificent, globe-trotting birds and learn what we can do to protect them.
In recent weeks, Members of Congress have introduced two bipartisan bills that will help protect and conserve birds across the country and around t
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