Rising Tide Images
Reunion Union
With life-long, monogamous, mate fidelity, two Laysan albatross reestablish their bond at the breeding colony after months of solitary wandering of tens of thousands of miles over the north Pacific. After returning to the colony they perform elaborate recognition and courtship behaviors that include bumping their bills together, commonly referred to as “billing,” “bill fencing,” or, romantically anthropomorphic, the “kiss of the albatross.” Besides the complex repertoire of tactile and visual displays, there may be olfactory recognition associated with the close contact.
Reunion Union
With life-long, monogamous, mate fidelity, two Laysan albatross reestablish their bond at the breeding colony after months of solitary wandering of tens of thousands of miles over the north Pacific. After returning to the colony they perform elaborate recognition and courtship behaviors that include bumping their bills together, commonly referred to as “billing,” “bill fencing,” or, romantically anthropomorphic, the “kiss of the albatross.” Besides the complex repertoire of tactile and visual displays, there may be olfactory recognition associated with the close contact.