UMMZ Bird Division
Identification
Diomedea epomophora (royal albatross)
Caption
Royal Albatross, Diomedea epomophora. Salt glands are located in the crescent shaped depressions over the eye sockets. These glands, present in birds which live on the ocean, filter excess salt from the blood. The salt is excreted into the nostrils and runs out and down the bill. This allows the birds to drink saltwater.
- Type
- Photo
- Subject
- Specimen
Contributors
Bird Division (photographer; copyright holder; identification), Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan
Paul Hinshaw (photographer)
Conditions of Use
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