Albatross Chicks

Baby albatrosses are covered in a dense layer of down feathers that are incredibly fluffy because they provide essential insulation during their long development period.

These down feathers trap pockets of air close to the body, creating an effective thermal barrier that helps chicks maintain body heat in cold, windy oceanic environments.

Since albatross parents often leave chicks unattended for extended periods while foraging at sea, this fluffy down is crucial for survival until juvenile contour feathers grow in and provide both insulation and water resistance.