What is the Difference Between Albatross and Seagull?

05/15/2025 • Felipe Moraes

The main differences between albatrosses and seagulls are their scientific classification, appearance, size, diet, and habitat. Here are the key differences:

  1. Scientific Classification: Albatrosses belong to the Diomedeidae family, while seagulls belong to the Laridae family.
  2. Appearance: Albatrosses are large birds with varied coloration of white, black, and grey, and possess a strong, sharp-edged, and hooked bill, which is typically orange or yellow. Seagulls, on the other hand, have shorter wings and a smaller body, with beaks that are not as pronounced.
  3. Size: Albatrosses have a much larger wingspan and weigh more than seagulls. Seagulls have a wingspan of around 4 feet, while albatrosses can have a wingspan up to 11 feet.
  4. Diet: Albatrosses are largely carnivores, with a diet consisting of fish, squid, and krill. Seagulls are omnivores, consuming fish, insects, and even garbage.
  5. Habitat: Seagulls are found in coastal or inland habitats, while albatrosses inhabit the Southern and North Pacific Oceans.

Both birds have webbed feet, which are well-adapted for swimming and diving, and can fly long distances. Additionally, both albatrosses and seagulls have white-colored bodies with black marks, and they can both live for more than 30 years.

Comparative Table: Albatross vs Seagull

Here is a table comparing the differences between albatrosses and seagulls:

Feature Albatross Seagull
Scientific Classification Order: Procellariiformes, Family: Diomedeidae Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Laridae
Range Southern Hemisphere, parts of North Pacific Worldwide
Habitat Marine, Islands Marine, freshwater, inland
Size up to 22 lbs 4 oz – 4 lbs
Wingspan 6.5 – 11 feet 2 – 5 feet
Diet Carnivorous Omnivorous
Lifespan Up to 50 years Up to 20 years
Nest High nest Ground nest
Clutch Size 1 egg 3 eggs

Albatrosses are larger birds with a carnivorous diet and a wingspan that can reach up to 11 feet, allowing them to fly long distances without getting tired. Seagulls, on the other hand, are smaller and more agile birds with a wingspan ranging from 2 to 5 feet, and an omnivorous diet. They are better suited for catching fish and other small prey in the water. Both birds play an important role in the ecosystem of the ocean.

Read more