How does the plumage of mature male Wandering Albatrosses typically differ from that of mature females?
Answer
Males tend to become significantly whiter on the head and body than females
Although both sexes of the Wandering Albatross lighten considerably as they mature from juveniles, there remains a distinct difference in their final adult coloration based on sex. Mature males progress towards an appearance that is often almost entirely white across the head and body. Conversely, even when fully mature, females generally retain more visible dark mottling or markings. These markings are often concentrated on the back and along the leading edges of their wings, meaning the female exhibits a greater presence of darker feathers compared to her nearly all-white male counterpart.
Related Questions
What measurement places the Wandering Albatross in the record books regarding its wingspan?What technique allows the Wandering Albatross to travel vast distances without flapping its wings for hours or days?What is the typical coloration of the plumage displayed by juvenile Wandering Albatrosses when they fledge?What specific feature of the Wandering Albatross bill provides the necessary grip for feeding on carrion or prey?What is the heaviest recorded weight, in kilograms, cited for a Wandering Albatross specimen?How do the legs and feet of the *Diomedea exulans* primarily differ in design purpose compared to walking birds?What term describes the ratio of wingspan to wing chord mentioned in relation to the albatross's flight efficiency?What distinguishes the body length measurement of 107 to 130 centimeters on the Wandering Albatross?How does the plumage of mature male Wandering Albatrosses typically differ from that of mature females?What characteristic hue is given to the robust bill of the Wandering Albatross?