Wandering albatross spotted off Western Australia coast the oldest in recorded Australian history at 46 years of age
The oldest wandering albatross in recorded Australian history has been recently spotted off Western Australia's south coast.
Key points:
She did not notice the band on the bird's leg until she got home from the photo shoot.
But the incredible endurance of the bird can now be revealed, after the band's information was verified by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme (ABBBS).
The federal government group manages over 2 million records on bird and bat species, with its database stretching back to 1953.
Records show the bird — or BP9 — is approximately 46 years old, surpassing the previous longevity record of 44.
"It was very cool to discover that this bird was 46 years old," Ms Duncan said.
Albatross first tagged as a chick in 1976 found alive and well off WA's south coast
The oldest wandering albatross in recorded Australian history has been recently spotted off Western Australia's south coast.
Key points:
- BP9 is about 46 years old and was tagged as a chick in 1976
- His details and whereabouts have been recorded over the years by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
- He is known to have fathered 11 chicks with three different partners
She did not notice the band on the bird's leg until she got home from the photo shoot.
But the incredible endurance of the bird can now be revealed, after the band's information was verified by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme (ABBBS).
The federal government group manages over 2 million records on bird and bat species, with its database stretching back to 1953.
Records show the bird — or BP9 — is approximately 46 years old, surpassing the previous longevity record of 44.
"It was very cool to discover that this bird was 46 years old," Ms Duncan said.
Albatross first tagged as a chick in 1976 found alive and well off WA's south coast