How old is the oldest Laysan albatross?

The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is a large seabird found across the North Pacific. With a wingspan reaching up to 6 feet, the Laysan albatross glides effortlessly for hours on wind currents in search of fish, squid and other marine prey. These long-lived birds have captivated researchers and bird enthusiasts for decades thanks to their impressive longevity. Individuals can live 40 years or more in the wild. But what’s the record age for a banded Laysan albatross? Let’s explore what’s known about the life spans of these remarkable, long-lived seabirds.

Typical Life Span of Laysan Albatrosses

Laysan albatrosses have an average life expectancy of 12-40 years according to most sources. However, flip through the record books and you’ll find accounts of banded Laysan albatrosses surviving well into their 60s in exceptional cases. The key facts about Laysan albatross longevity include:

• Age of first breeding: Most Laysan albatrosses first return to breed in their colony around age 5-6 years.
• Adult annual survival: Around 95% of adult Laysan albatrosses survive each year.
• Maximum recorded lifespan: The oldest known Laysan albatross was at least 62 years old.

The high adult survival rate means that once Laysan albatrosses reach adulthood and start breeding around age 5, they tend to live many more decades. That sets the stage for some individuals to reach remarkably old ages. Next let’s look at how scientists determine the age of wild Laysan albatrosses over their lifetimes.

Tracking Albatross Ages Over Time

Researchers rely on banding data to track the ages of wild albatrosses in their natural habitats. At breeding colonies scattered across the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific islands, scientists capture breeding adult albatrosses and chicks. Each bird receives a small numbered band placed around its leg. Standard size bands slip over a chick’s smaller leg, while larger bands must be riveted around adult albatross legs. The unique serial number on each band allows scientists to identify individuals when they recapture the same bird later on. By periodically recapturing and re-sighting banded birds at colonies, researchers can determine minimum ages for large numbers of albatrosses through decades of work. Now let’s look at some of the oldest known Laysan albatrosses documented through banding studies.

Record Age Laysan Albatrosses

Here are some examples of exceptionally long-lived Laysan albatrosses revealed by banding data:

• At least 62 years old: The oldest known banded Laysan albatross was breeding on Eastern Island, Midway Atoll in 2002 at age 62. It was originally banded as a breeding adult on the same island in 1956.
• At least 55 years old: Another Laysan albatross breeding on Midway Atoll was recaptured in 2001, at least 55 years after it was first banded there in 1946.
• At least 51 years old: A Laysan albatross banded as a chick on Oahu, Hawaii in 1956 nested on Midway Atoll in 2007, meaning it was at least 51 years old.

Those examples highlight some of the most extreme, verifiable cases of Laysan albatrosses surviving well into their 50s and 60s. Next let’s go over why some albatrosses are able to live so long relative to other bird species.

Why Do Laysan Albatrosses Live So Long?

Laysan albatrosses stand out as among the longest-lived bird species based on maximum documented lifespan. What are some of the key factors allowing them to survive into their 50s and 60s?

• Low costs of flight: Their wings are perfectly adapted for gliding on ocean winds with minimal flapping. This saves energy.
• Few predators: On remote Pacific islands, adults face limited dangers from predators.
• Chick care: Parents alternate nest duties, increasing chick survival chances.
• Fish diet: Their prey includes fish high in omega-3 fatty acids that promote health.
• Mate fidelity: Partners stay loyal, promoting rebreeding year after year.

Thanks to those advantages, the odds tilt in favor of Laysan albatrosses persisting year after year once they reach maturity. Next let’s look at how long other albatross species live.

Maximum Ages of Other Albatross Species

Laysan albatrosses aren’t the only long-lived members of their family. Other albatross species also stand out for their longevity compared to similarly sized birds. Here are a few examples of maximum verified ages of other albatrosses:

Those ages indicate many albatross species can live upwards of half a century. The future may reveal even greater longevities as researchers continue banding birds worldwide. Next let’s compare the life spans of Laysan albatrosses and other similar seabirds.

Albatross Longevity Versus Other Seabirds

Laysan albatrosses live notably longer than many other seabird species. Here’s how their potential lifespan stacks up against some other birds frequenting offshore waters:

The comparison shows that some small seabird species may only live 10-20 years, even under ideal conditions. But Laysan albatrosses regularly double or triple that thanks to their adaptations for long-term survival at sea. Only certain larger seabirds come close to matching their longevity.

Conclusion

Banding data reveals that Laysan albatrosses can survive well into their 50s and 60s, with the current record holder reaching an estimated age of 62 years. These impressive life spans result from evolved advantages that increase adult survival odds each year. Low energy costs for flight, few predators, mate fidelity and more all contribute to longevity. While Laysan albatrosses stand out, other albatross species can also live upwards of half a century. In comparison, many smaller seabird species survive just 10-20 years. But ongoing banding studies may yet reveal record ages surpassing the current oldest known Laysan albatross.