Nesting of the Waved Albatross is an event that is highly anticipated in the Galapagos. The nesting colonies of these magnificent seabirds are located on Espanola island, the only place where they nest. They can be studied here and important information can be collected to help protect this iconic species.
Reproductive cycle and feeding
The annual reproduction cycle of the Waved Albatross begins with the arrival at nesting colonies in Espanola island of the males, then the more mature females, and finally the younger ones. The period of egg-laying lasts from mid April to late June. The first chicks appear in early June. The nestling period is long – the new generation albatross will not leave their nest until late December or early January. Their parents will be watching over them during this time. Albatross pairs do not always breed each year, but most albatross pair choose to. Average age of first reproduction is between four and six years. Some individuals return to colonies as young as two years.
Each year, the Waved Albatross reproduces on Espanola Island. The process begins with a careful selection of nest sites. The female Waved Albatross will lay a single egg after a period called courtship. This includes vocalizations, bill rattling and dance displays to strengthen the bond of the pair. The incubation process is shared by both parents. They take turns protecting and keeping the egg warm and cool at night, and shaded during the day.
The egg will hatch after two months and the fluffy chick will emerge. The parents will continue to feed the chick with oily, regurgitated food. These birds feed primarily on squids, fish and crustaceans. They may also supplement their diet with food that is thrown away by other marine animals, like cetaceans. Waved Albatrosses are able to forage in a large area that stretches from the Galapagos Islands, down to the coast of Ecuador and all the way to Chile.
Parents also protect their young against natural predators such as the Galapagos Hawk and frigatebirds as well as bad weather conditions. After many months being cared for by their parents, the young albatrosses learn to fly in December. They then make their first flight into the sea once they have fully shed their feathers. After molting, they will spend several years at the sea before returning as adults to their nesting colonies to breed.
Primary Threats
The Galapagos Albatross faces several threats, which has led to it being classified as “Critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 2018.
Climate change is linked to changes in temperature regimes such as El Nino. These events can decrease the amount of food available at the surface of the ocean for albatross. This causes the parents to struggle with feeding their chicks. The baited hooks of long-line commercial fisheries also attract the Waved Albatross, and this can lead to accidental captures and drownings. Albatross mistake marine pollution, particularly floating plastic waste as food. They can ingest it and suffer digestive problems.
Waved Albatross nests on just one island, Espanola Island. Changes to the nesting habitat can also be a problem because they only nest there. They are graceful fliers on the sea, but struggle to land or take off when trees block their nesting area.
Waved Albatross survival depends on collective conservation efforts.
Species Conservation Actions
We conducted comprehensive nesting surveys in June 2019, 2021, and 2023. These surveys provided updated information on the size and distribution of albatross populations, with an estimate of around 35,000 birds. While preliminary results indicate a stable population there was a significant reduction in the nesting population of albatross in 2023 as a result of the El Nino phenomena that year.
We implement conservation measures to ensure nesting areas are free from obstacles. We implement concrete actions through our joint initiative, the Galapagos Initiative with the Galapagos Park Directorate. This includes clearing landing and takeoff areas for albatross to ensure that they can access nesting sites throughout the nesting period.
Our work revealed a surprising result: the reintroduction on Espanola Island of tortoises has indirect benefits for albatrosses. By trampling and removing the vegetation, these tortoises tend to reduce the intrusion of trees, which makes it difficult for the albatross birds to land or take off. This contributes to better conditions for the seabirds. The Galapagos Tortoises have been recognized as ecosystem engineers due to their ability of controlling and modifying plant communities. This will ensure that the albatross population can land and takeoff safely as the tortoise populations increase.
The start of the Galapagos albatross breeding season is a good reminder to us that we need to act to protect this remarkable species. We must monitor the nesting population regularly, adopt habitat management practices and work with local communities and organizations to ensure its survival. We can ensure a prosperous future of albatrosses by working together.
