Head to head
Laysan Albatross vs Black-footed Albatross
Laysan Albatross
VS Black-footed Albatross
These two North Pacific albatrosses often breed in the same mixed colonies, but their plumage and population trends tell different stories.
| Laysan Albatross | Black-footed Albatross | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Phoebastria immutabilis | Phoebastria nigripes |
| Plumage | Mostly white with dark upperwings | Almost entirely dark brown-black |
| Distinguishing feature | Home to Wisdom, the world's oldest known wild bird | The darkest North Pacific albatross species |
| Feeding time | Not documented as strictly nocturnal | Feeds heavily at night |
| Main threat | Plastic ingestion | Longline fishing bycatch and plastic ingestion |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened | Near Threatened |
| Population trend | Increasing | Decreasing |
| Habitat | Ocean, coastal | Ocean, coastal |
Laysan Albatross vs Black-footed Albatross: common questions
Which one is home to the world's oldest known wild bird?
The Laysan albatross holds this distinction, home to Wisdom, a female who has continued returning to breed for more than seven decades, a record not associated with the black-footed albatross.
Which one is the darkest North Pacific albatross?
The black-footed albatross is the darkest, with almost entirely dark brown-black plumage, unlike the Laysan albatross's mostly white body with dark upperwings.
Which one's population is increasing rather than decreasing?
The Laysan albatross's population is increasing, while the black-footed albatross's population continues to decline due to longline fishing bycatch and plastic ingestion.