Wisdom, the World’s Oldest Wild Bird, Lays an Egg at 74

In 2024, Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, and the world’s oldest known wild bird returned to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the northwestern Hawaiian Archipelago.

She laid an egg at the age of 74, her first in four years, Associated Press reports.

A Lifetime of Raising Chicks

Wisdom has been nesting at Midway Atoll for decades. Since being first banded (tagged) in 1956, she has laid an estimated 50 to 60 eggs and successfully raised up to 30 chicks.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

This is remarkable given that Laysan albatrosses typically live up to 68 years, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

A New Partner After Loss

For many years, Wisdom returned to Midway Atoll with her mate, Akeakamai. However, he has not been seen for several seasons.

Recently, she was observed interacting with a new male, suggesting she may have found a new partner.

While Laysan albatrosses usually mate for life, they can form new bonds if necessary, according to USFWS.

The Nesting Process

Like other Laysan albatrosses, Wisdom and her mate take turns incubating the egg for about two months. Once the chick hatches, both parents will alternate between feeding at sea and guarding the nest.

The chick will remain in the nest for five to six months before it is ready to fly.

A Symbol of Conservation Success

Wisdom’s ability to continue laying eggs at her age saw the success of conservation efforts on Midway Atoll. The refuge is home to millions of seabirds, and her continued presence shows the importance of protecting these habitats.

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