The Waved Albatross

 The Waved Albatross is of the order Procellariformes. This destinction is seen in the tube-nose on the top of the beak.

This magestic bird is endemic to the island of Espanola, (Hood Island). This is the only place in the world where it reporduces, yet albatrosses from Espanola have been seen as far away as Japan. The Albatross's back, wings, and tail are light brown, while the head is white as is the neck and belly. The beak is yellow and is hooked on the end. It lays one large egg, and when the chick hatches, it is brown, ugly, and fluffy looking.

The Waved Albatross may live 30-40 years and is faithful to its mate for life. The courtship is remarkable. The albatrosses dance, cross beaks as if they are fencing, and then 'sky point,' with one beak opening and snapping loudly shut. This is done over and over again.

Its feeding is nocturnal and it feeds on fish, squid, and might even steal from the boobies.