The albatrosses on Española Island are named after the wavelike shape of their wings when in flight. With a wingspan above eight feet, they are the largest bird living in the Galápagos. Their aerodynamic design allows them to effortlessly glide over the sea for hours. Yet their landings are clumsy at best. Waved albatrosses are more challenged during takeoff. So, they launch themselves off inland cliffs to get aloft and to gain airspeed in the headwinds. Consequently, the surrounding ridgeline has been nicknamed the albatross airport.
