USGS Multimedia Gallery: The Oldest Bird in the Northern Hemisphere Raises a Chick

Title: The Oldest Bird in the Northern Hemisphere Raises a Chick

Description:

A Laysan albatross named Wisdom, is at least 60 years old and was spotted in February 2011 raising a chick at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Pacific Islands. The bird has sported and worn out 5 bird bands since she was first banded by U.S. Geological Survey scientist Chandler Robbins in 1956 as she incubated an egg. Robbins estimated Wisdom to be at least 5 years old then since this is the earliest age at which these birds breed, though they more typically breed at 8 or 9 after an involved courtship lasting several years. This means, of course, that Wisdom is more likely to be in her early sixties.

Location: Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, PA

Date Taken: February 2011

Photographer: John Klavitter , U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Usage: This image is public domain/of free use unless otherwise stated. Please refer to the USGS Copyright section for how to credit the photo.

Source:

File Details:
Type: JPEG image - 7.27 MB
Dimensions: 3648 x 2736
Resolution: 72 dpi

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Birds (Set)