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    Diomedea – Great albatrosses

    Until 1996 this genus included all albatrosses except one

    According to Greek mythology, “Diomedes” (Greek hero) and his companions were stranded on an island where they transformed into giant albatrosses hence the name “Diomedea.” After seeing these birds’ unusually long and majestic wings, one might believe this story.

    Albatrosses keep changing the color and adorations of their plumage with age. The chicks are dark browned, but gradually this color fades away, and the adult is primarily white with brownish markings left on the upper wings. The coloration and brown penciling on the wings help differentiate one specie from another. If you spot an albatross from far sitting in the ocean, you may mistake it for a swan.