Who is Wisdom the albatross?

Wisdom is a 75-year-old albatross, recognized as the world's oldest known breeding bird.

Where does Wisdom the albatross nest?

Wisdom nests at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the central Pacific Ocean.

How many chicks has Wisdom the albatross raised?

Wisdom has successfully raised an estimated 30 chicks in her lifetime.

Home / Environment / Wisdom the Albatross Returns: World's Oldest Bird Begins Nesting

Wisdom the Albatross Returns: World's Oldest Bird Begins Nesting

1 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Wisdom, a 75-year-old albatross, has returned to Midway Atoll.
She is the world's oldest known breeding bird.
Wisdom has produced an estimated 50-60 eggs in her lifetime.

Wisdom the Albatross Returns: World's Oldest Bird Begins Nesting

Wisdom, a Laysal albatross aged 75, has returned to her established nesting site at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. This remarkable bird is recognized as the world's oldest breeding avian. Her arrival signifies the commencement of the 2025-2026 nesting season on the central Pacific island.

Albatrosses of the Laysal species, known as 'mōlī' in Hawaiian, habitually return to the same location annually. Upon reaching the refuge, they reunite with their mates to lay a single egg and nest. Wisdom's presence this year is noted as slightly earlier than usual, with her mate from the previous season yet to be sighted.

First identified and banded in 1956, Wisdom has since been responsible for an estimated 50 to 60 eggs, resulting in approximately 30 fledged chicks throughout her extensive life. This enduring reproductive success solidifies her status as an extraordinary figure in the natural world.