Story: Albatrosses

Feeding a chick

This large northern royal albatross chick has probably not been fed for over a week. It needs lots of food for energy to keep warm, to finish growing, and to produce flight feathers. The hungrier the chick is, the harder it begs when one of its parents finally arrives to feed it. Tapping on the side of the parent’s bill helps stimulate the regurgitation response. Meals as large as 2 kilograms may be given in one visit.

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How to cite this page:

Paul Sagar, 'Albatrosses - Life history', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/7065/feeding-a-chick (accessed 18 April 2024)

Story by Paul Sagar, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015