Head to head
Southern Royal Albatross vs Wandering Albatross
Southern Royal Albatross
VS Wandering Albatross
Both species are contenders for the title of largest wingspan alive, and both were only recently confirmed as fully separate species from close relatives.
| Southern Royal Albatross | Wandering Albatross | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Diomedea epomophora | Diomedea exulans |
| Wingspan | Rivals the wandering albatross for the largest alive | The largest wingspan of any living bird |
| Distinguishing feature | A solid black cutting edge along the bill | Long, narrow wings built for dynamic soaring |
| Breeding range | Remote sub-Antarctic islands | Scattered sub-Antarctic islands |
| Recognition history | Once considered the same species as its northern relative | Long recognised as its own distinct species |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Decreasing |
| Habitat | Ocean | Ocean, coastal |
Southern Royal Albatross vs Wandering Albatross: common questions
Which one officially holds the largest-wingspan record?
The wandering albatross officially holds this record at up to 3.5 metres, though the southern royal albatross has a very similar wingspan that closely rivals it.
Which one was only recently confirmed as its own species?
The southern royal albatross was more recently confirmed, having once been considered the same species as the northern royal albatross before the two were recognised as genetically distinct.
Do both face similar conservation threats?
Yes, both are classified as Vulnerable and declining, with longline fishing mortality standing as the primary threat shared across both large Southern Ocean albatrosses.