What is the typical coloration of the plumage displayed by juvenile Wandering Albatrosses when they fledge?
Answer
Largely covered in dark, sooty brown or almost black plumage
Upon fledging, the juvenile Wandering Albatross exhibits a striking contrast to the iconic adult appearance. Its entire body is generally covered in dark, sooty brown or nearly black feathers. This dark coloration serves a purpose, potentially offering protective camouflage against potential predators in the early stages of life, or it may simply reflect the initial high saturation of melanin before the demanding physiological process of maturation and sustained flight begins to transition the feathers toward lighter hues. This dark phase is temporary, as the bird undergoes a slow molt over several years.
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