How old is Wisdom the Laysan albatross?

Wisdom is approximately 75 years old, making her the oldest known wild bird.

Where does Wisdom the bird nest?

Wisdom nests at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Hawaiian Archipelago.

What is unique about Wisdom's breeding behavior?

Wisdom is unique because she continues to breed actively at an age when most albatrosses have stopped.

Home / Environment / Wisdom the Albatross: 75 and Still Nesting!

Wisdom the Albatross: 75 and Still Nesting!

16 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A 75-year-old Laysan albatross named Wisdom is nesting again.
She is the oldest known wild bird ever recorded.
Wisdom has laid an estimated 50 to 60 eggs in her lifetime.

Wisdom the Albatross: 75 and Still Nesting!

A remarkable 75-year-old Laysan albatross, affectionately known as Wisdom, has returned to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge to begin her nesting season. This makes her the oldest wild bird ever documented and an active breeder, a status that continues to fascinate researchers.

First banded in 1956, Wisdom's life has been meticulously tracked for nearly seven decades. She has an estimated 50 to 60 eggs, and around 30 of her offspring have survived to fledge, showcasing her remarkable reproductive success over a lifespan that far exceeds the average for her species.

Wisdom's continued presence and nesting activities provide invaluable data for conservationists studying long-lived seabirds. Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances, including finding a new mate this season, highlights the resilience and adaptability of wildlife.

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