Some wandering albatrosses, the largest of seabirds, have begun breeding earlier than they did 30 years ago, research indicates. While environmental change may be responsible, it's not yet clear how, the scientists say.
The wandering albatrosses that breed on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia are laying their eggs an average of 2.2 days earlier, according to the team of British scientists.
One particular type of albatross parent — those that tried unsuccessfully to breed in previous years — appears to be the primary driver behind this trend, said study researcher Sue Lewis at the University of Edinburgh's School of Biological Sciences in a statement.
Others, older birds and those that had recently changed partners, have also been laying earlier.
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