BirdNote Daily Snowy Albatross Molt
Oct 1, 2025
Discover the fascinating world of bird molting, where most birds replace their feathers gradually, but the Wandering Albatross takes it to a whole new level with its massive wingspan. It takes an entire year for these birds to molt, forcing them to postpone breeding. Learn how albatrosses awkwardly take off but excel at soaring for hours on end, thanks to their unique tendon locking mechanism that allows them to glide effortlessly. It's a tale of survival and adaptation, showcasing the marvels of nature!
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Molting Keeps Flight Ready
- Most birds molt and regrow flight feathers one at a time along each wing to stay fit for flight.
- An American robin molts 19 feathers per wing over about two months after nesting.
Design Of A Master Glider
- The snowy (wandering) albatross has a 10–12 foot wingspan and long narrow wings that make it an incredibly efficient flyer.
- A locking tendon lets it ride air currents with minimal effort, enabling hours or days of soaring while foraging.
Awkward Takeoff, Effortless Soaring
- Albatrosses look awkward taking off but turn into supreme gliders once airborne.
- They soar for hours or days as they search the ocean surface for squid and fish.