Northern Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialis
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Procellariiformes · Procellariidae
About
The northern fulmar, Arctic fulmar, or simply fulmar is an abundant seabird found primarily in subarctic regions of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. There has been one confirmed sighting in the Southern Hemisphere, with a single bird seen south of New Zealand. Fulmars come in one of two colour morphs; a light one in temperate populations, with white head and body and grey wings and tail, and a dark one in arctic populations, which is uniformly grey; intermediate birds are common. Though similar in appearance to gulls, fulmars are in fact members of the family Procellariidae, which includes petrels and shearwaters.
Fun Fact
Northern fulmars defend their nests by projectile-vomiting a foul-smelling stomach oil at intruders — the oil can mat a predatory bird's feathers so badly that it loses its waterproofing and drowns.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Open ocean and coastal cliffs
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
30-40 years
Threats
- Ocean Acidification
- Overfishing