Millions of seabirds, including the remarkable Laysan albatross, recently returned to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge to nest and raise their young. Wisdom, the world’s oldest bird at around 72 years old, was photographed engaging in a mating dance with potential suitors during her recent visit. Despite her age, Wisdom has been quite spry and actively courting other birds.
Biologists first identified and banded Wisdom in 1956 after she laid an egg, and they are aware that Laysan albatrosses do not typically breed before the age of 5. Throughout her lifetime, it is estimated that Wisdom has produced 50-60 eggs and as many as 30 chicks that have successfully fledged. Despite the absence of her long-time mate Akeakamai for the last two nesting seasons, Wisdom has been socializing and courtship with other male birds.
This update on the record-breaking bird has been shared on social media, highlighting Wisdom’s remarkable story and inspiring others to learn more about this unique species of seabird.
