At 74, World’s Oldest Known Wild Bird Lays Egg

US biologists report that the world’s oldest known wild bird, a Laysan albatross named Wisdom, has laid an egg at an estimated age of 74. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) captured footage of Wisdom and her current partner tending to the egg at the Midway Atoll national wildlife refuge in the Pacific Ocean. While Laysan albatrosses typically have a lifespan of 12 to 40 years, Wisdom was first tagged in 1956 when she was approximately five years old. Her most recent chick hatched in 2021, and she is believed to have produced over 30 offspring throughout her life. The USFWS announced on X that Wisdom is with a new partner this year, noting that her former partner, Akeakamai, has not been observed for multiple years. Although the species typically forms lifelong pair bonds, Wisdom is believed to have outlived a minimum of three mates. Jon Plissner, a supervisory wildlife biologist at the refuge, informed BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Wisdom is among the two to three million Laysan albatrosses that migrate to Midway for breeding. He stated that biologists are not aware of any other birds approaching her age, with the next oldest known individual being 45. Plissner remarked, “It’s really been remarkable,” adding, “Wisdom seems to pique the interest of people across the world. We wait each year with bated breath for her return.” He also indicated that Wisdom still exhibits the necessary energy and instincts to rear another chick, estimating a 70-80% likelihood of the egg hatching. Albatross parents divide responsibilities for incubation and, following hatching, for feeding their offspring. Wisdom was initially identified and tagged in 1956, subsequent to laying an egg. Laysan albatrosses are not typically observed breeding prior to reaching five years of age. Midway Atoll, while part of the Hawaiian archipelago, is not situated within the US state of Hawaii and is classified as an unincorporated territory of the United States. The wildlife refuge hosts the world’s largest albatross colony.