Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) in flight,Kilauea NWR,Kaua'i,Hawaii. The Laysan Albatross is a large seabird of the northern Pacific Ocean. It spends its summer months out at sea and returns to a select few islands during the northern winter to breed. With a wingspan of nearly 7 feet,the Laysan Albatross is a large bird,but is a small albatross. Its plumage has been compared to that of a gull. Its diet consists primarily of squid,although it will also eat fish,fish eggs and crustaceans. These birds possess a high level of rhodosin,a visual pigment,that improves night vision. When away from the breeding areas they range widely from Japan to Alaska and down to California,but usually far offshore |