Bird of the Week!

This week, we smoothly transition back into the land of living species with a bird that, like last week's Haast's Eagle, is just ridiculously huge. The Great Albatross is a genus made up of either six or seven species, depending on whom you ask.

Albatrosses are unique for a couple of reasons. Most famously, they have the longest wingspan of any living birds, averaging over 3 meters long. On a closely related note, they are also among the most staminal birds, able to fly incredibly long distances in a single flight. They are literally capable of flying around the planet without needing to land. They can do this thanks to their long wings, which allow them to glide very far without expending energy by flapping their wings. In fact, no definite maximum distance has been travelled for an Albatross. Some even theorize that there is no maximum distance, as their incredible gliding ability allows them to get 80-90% of the necessary energy from wind currents, and they have been observed sleeping while in flight. 

Another incredible trait of albatrosses is that they mate for life. I don't want to claim to know everything that happens in the mind of an Albatross, but they definitely fall totally in love. I mean, look at this and tell me that's not true love.

They will wait for their mate to return to them, and when they are finally reunited, each couple has a special dance that they have come up with, which they perform together. Also, when one mate passes away, their spouse will grieve for at least a year or two before beginning to court a new mate.