Fulmars, Shearwaters

Northern Fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis

Family Procellariidae (Fulmars, Shearwaters)

Size: 18.5"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Offshore waters

The northern fulmar is a member of the “tubenose” family, with a stubby, thick bill topped with a short tube to aid in salt excretion. It is superficially similar to a gull but is distinguished by the bill shape, steep forehead, thick neck, and its tendency to fly on flat wings. The plumage can be of a light, dark, or intermediate phase. Birds in light-phase plumage are white with a mottled gray back and upper wing and a dark tail. Dark-phase plumage is uniformly gray. Northern fulmars scavenge food from the water’s surface, often following fishing vessels, and hold their bill at a distinct downward tilt. The adult is illustrated.