Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Fulmar is a robust seabird with a stocky body and thick neck. Its plumage is predominantly grey above and white below, with a pale blue-grey tinge on the wings. The bird has a distinctive tube-shaped nostril on top of its yellow, hooked bill.
Females and males are virtually identical, although males may be marginally heavier than females. Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly darker colouration on their wings and back.
In flight, fulmars are relatively easy to identify, gliding and banking close to the ocean surface with stiff, outstretched wings. From a distance, they resemble shearwaters, but up close, they can be distinguished by their wing size and flight style.
Size
Length
45cm to 50cm
Wingspan
101cm to 117cm
Weight
450g to 1000g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey White
Secondary Colour
Blue
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Fulmars inhabit the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, breeding on coastal cliffs and rocky islands. They are found in subarctic and temperate regions, with significant populations in Iceland, Norway, and the British Isles.
During non-breeding seasons, Fulmars disperse widely across open oceans. In North America, they can be observed along the coasts of Alaska and Canada, while in Europe, they're common around the UK and Ireland.
The UK’s fulmar breeding colonies are concentrated on Scotland’s Northern Isles and along its north coast. Hirta, Dun, Soay and Stacs in the St Kilda archipelago are leading breeding grounds, with further sizeable populations on Foula and Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands.
North American fulmar-spotting sites include Andrews Point (Cape Ann) and Race Point (Cape Cod), Massachusetts. Breeding colonies are naturally established in isolated regions and the best chance of seeing fulmars is when the birds feed over coastal areas.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 300 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Fulmar. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Fulmars exhibit remarkable agility in flight, being excellent gliders capable of soaring effortlessly over waves with stiff, straight wings. Their ability to navigate complex air currents around coastal cliffs and open oceans demonstrates high manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong for their size, Fulmars possess moderate strength. Their robust build and ability to withstand harsh oceanic conditions indicate a decent level of physical power, particularly in their wings for sustained flight.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Fulmars show high adaptability, thriving in various marine environments from subarctic to temperate regions. Their ability to drink seawater, filter feed on the ocean's surface, and nest on diverse coastal structures showcases their adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Fulmars display notable aggression in their defensive behaviour, particularly their unique ability to spit foul-smelling oil at potential predators. This trait, combined with their tenacity in following fishing boats for food, suggests a moderately aggressive disposition.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Fulmars demonstrate exceptional endurance, spending most of their lives at sea and capable of long-distance flights across open oceans. Their ability to live for over 50 years in challenging marine environments further attests to their remarkable stamina and resilience.
Diet
Fulmars are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming small fish, squid, and plankton. They also scavenge for offal and discards from fishing vessels.
Birds have also been seen eating remains of seals, whales, walruses and even other seabirds. Fulmars catch their prey on or just below the ocean surface.
These birds have a unique ability to filter seawater through their bills to extract food particles, allowing them to feed on the ocean's surface.
Behaviour
Fulmars are excellent gliders, often seen soaring effortlessly over waves with stiff, straight wings. They are highly pelagic, spending most of their lives at sea.
These birds are known for their unique defence mechanism of spitting out a foul-smelling oil when threatened, which can matte the feathers of potential predators.
Vocalisation
Fulmars are generally quiet at sea but become more vocal at breeding colonies. Their calls include a series of guttural cackles and growls, often described as 'ak-ak-ak' or 'koka-koka'. During courtship, pairs produce softer, purring sounds when greeting each other at the nest site.
Nesting & Breeding
Fulmars form long-term pair bonds and typically breed from May to September. They nest on cliff ledges or steep grassy slopes, often returning to the same site year after year.
The female lays a single white egg directly on the bare rock or in a shallow scrape. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 50 days.
Chicks are covered in grey down when hatched and remain in the nest for about 50 days before fledging. Parents continue to feed the chick for several weeks after it leaves the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Fulmars face threats from plastic pollution and oil spills. They often ingest plastic debris, mistaking it for food. Conservation efforts focus on reducing marine pollution and protecting breeding sites on coastal cliffs.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Fulmars gliding low over the sea with stiff wings
- Observe coastal cliffs during the breeding season for nesting birds
- Note the distinctive tube-shaped nostril on the bill
- Watch for their habit of following fishing boats for discards
- In the UK, check popular sites like Bempton Cliffs or Orkney Islands
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Fulmars have few natural predators due to their defensive oil-spitting behavior. However, eggs and chicks may fall prey to large gulls, skuas, and occasionally foxes or rats at accessible nest sites.
Did You Know?
- Fulmars can live for over 50 years, making them one of the longest-lived seabirds.
- Their name comes from Old Norse, meaning 'foul gull', referring to their oily stomach contents.
- Fulmars can drink seawater and excrete excess salt through special glands above their eyes.
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Fulmarus glacialis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22697866A132609419.
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