ALBATROSS. A sea bird of the family Diomedeidae, re lated to the petrel. The large, strong beak ends in a hook. The webbed feet lack the hind toe. Diomedea exulans of the Pacific is the best known. It is the largest sea bird, attaining a length of 4 ft., a weight of 25 lb., and the unique wing-spread of 17 ft.; it is remarkable for its soaring flight. It feeds upon fish and offal, and when gorged may be unable to fly. Both sexes are white, streaked with dark bands on the back and with dark wings. The bird lays one white egg, 4 in. long, on the ground; it nests on Tristan da Cunha and similar islands. The joint courtship dance is remarkable. About 20 species are known. The black-footed albatross (D. nigripes) and short-tailed albatrosses (D. albatrus) are found in the north Pacific from California to Alaska. The yellow-nosed albatross and sooty albatross, of related species, are casual visitors as far north as the state of Oregon in the United States.