Large seabirds in the Diomedeidae family, albatrosses are famous for their ability to fly 10,000 miles without landing. There are about 22 species.
They can be recognized by their size and by the peculiar shape of their bill, which has a bulging hook at the end, while the base of the bill has a scalloped appearance. Albatrosses are generally white with grey wings, and may have tan shading on their heads.
In culture and myth, the albatross is considered to be good luck when it follows a ship. However, it also symbolizes an encumbrance or wearisome burden, a psychological burden that feels like a curse, or a penance. This was popularized in the 1798 poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner in which an albatross was shot down and the ship suffered great misfortune.
Do not confuse with the seagull, which is much smaller and lacks the prominent, bulging hook at the end of its beak.
