The black footed albatross (Diomedea nigripes) spends the vast majority of its life in the air or on the water anywhere but on land. Albatrosses are pelagic birds, meaning they live on the open sea.

Albatrosses have the largest wing spans of any bird species. The black footed albatross's wing span can reach up to seven feet (2.1 meters) still four feet short of the 11 foot (3.3 meter) record held by a species called the wandering albatross.

Where They Live
The black footed albatross breeds on islands in the mid-Pacific Ocean. During migration, the birds can be found all along the Pacific coast of North America, as far north as the Arctic circle.

One of the largest breeding colonies of black footed albatross is on Midway Island, one of the most remote coral atolls in the world. Midway was once a major U.S. naval base that served a prominent role during World War II.

Now, Midway is a national wildlife refuge, and a prime destination for birdwatchers, who come to see the "gooney birds" or albatross, along with other sea birds like petrels, shearwaters, terns and noddies.

Loyal Birds
Black footed albatross mate for life. They strengthen their pair bonds through elaborate rituals that include twining their necks together, clacking their bills, bobbing their heads and flapping their wings.

What They Eat
Most of the black footed albatross's diet is made up of the eggs of flying fish that it dips from the ocean's surface. They will also eat fish, squid, shrimp and other small sea creatures.

In summer, albatross often follow fishing boats to feed on the fish wastes discarded by the boats. One of the best ways to see albatross in the wild is to charter an off shore fishing boat and throw fish parts, or chum, on to the water.

At Risk
Because of their habit of following fishing boats, black footed albatross are sometimes caught in fishing gear and drowned. They may dive for a fish, and get trapped by the same fish hook or net that caught the fish.

In June 2001, 11 nations including the United States signed a treaty aimed at protecting albatross and other sea birds through new fishing techniques aimed at reducing the numbers of birds killed by entanglement with fishing gear. For example, a new chute being tested near Hawaii deploys fish hooks far underwater, making the baited hooks less of a temptation to birds.