What constitutes the primary non-breeding habitat for this species when not nesting?
Answer
The Southern Ocean
When the demands of tending to a nest and chick are finished, the Wandering Albatross transitions fully into its life as a pelagic wanderer. Its home range during these non-breeding periods is defined by the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. Tracking data confirms that individuals widely distribute themselves across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific sectors of this ocean. While they often remain south of $50^ ext{o}$ S, their foraging routes are dynamic, leading them globally within this preferred southern zone, sometimes venturing close to the ice edge and other times much further north depending on local food sources like upwellings.
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