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Northern Fulmar
The Northern Fulmar (*Fulmarus glacialis*) is a highly abundant seabird with a wide distribution across the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. Often mistaken for gulls, fulmars are actually members of the Procellariidae family, which includes petrels and shearwaters. They are known for their exceptional flying abilities, spending most of their lives at sea and coming to land primarily for breeding. Fulmars play a significant role in the marine ecosystem as both predators and scavengers. They have no particular cultural significance but are well known to those who spend their time in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
43-52 cm
Length
102-112 cm
Wingspan
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Distribution
The Northern Fulmar is found throughout the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, breeding on coasts and islands from the high Arctic south to more temperate regions. They have an extensive pelagic range, often found far from land outside of the breeding season. Their migratory patterns are complex and vary by population, with some birds remaining near breeding colonies year-round while others undertake long-distance movements.
Lifespan
Typically 30-40 years, with some individuals living much longer (up to 60 years recorded).
Northern Fulmar's Habitat
Habitat Types
Coastal cliffs, Rocky islands, Open ocean, Pelagic waters
Climate Zones
Arctic, Subarctic, Temperate
Adaptations
Northern Fulmars possess several adaptations for their marine lifestyle, including salt glands above their eyes that excrete excess salt consumed with seawater. Their dense plumage provides insulation in cold waters, and their strong wings are adapted for dynamic soaring, allowing them to cover vast distances with minimal energy expenditure.
Variations
Three subspecies are generally recognized: *F. g. glacialis* in the high Arctic Atlantic, *F. g. auduboni* in the lower Arctic and boreal Atlantic, and *F. g. rodgersii* in the Pacific.
Appearance
Breeding Plumage
Plumage is similar year-round, but may be fresher and brighter immediately after molting (typically after breeding).
Seasonal Feather Changes
Minimal seasonal variation.
Sex Based Plumage Differences
No significant sexual dimorphism in plumage.
Notable Features
Tube-shaped nostrils on top of the bill (characteristic of Procellariiformes)., Stiff-winged flight, often gliding low over the water., Plumage varies from light to dark gray, with a white head and underparts, and a dark patch around the eye.
Diet and Feeding
Primary Foods
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Zooplankton, Offal, Carrion
Foraging Behavior
Northern Fulmars are opportunistic feeders, employing a variety of foraging techniques. They often seize prey from the surface of the water while in flight or sitting on the water. They can also dive to shallow depths. They are frequently observed scavenging around fishing vessels.
Specializations
Their tube noses help them locate prey by scent over long distances. Their stomachs contain an oily substance that they can regurgitate as a defense mechanism or to feed their young.
Seasonal Diet Variations
Diet varies depending on prey availability, which fluctuates seasonally and geographically. For example, they may consume more fish during certain times of the year or in specific regions.
Behavior
Social Structure
Northern Fulmars are highly social, particularly during the breeding season, when they form large colonies. Outside of the breeding season, they are more dispersed but may still gather in areas with abundant food.
Communication
Guttural cackling and croaking calls., Visual displays, including head-waving and bill-fencing., Olfactory cues (smell) likely play a role in communication, especially in locating food and nest sites.
Migration
Migration patterns vary among populations. Some are largely sedentary, while others undertake extensive migrations, traveling thousands of kilometers from their breeding grounds.
Territorial or Group Behaviors
They defend a small area immediately around their nest site. They are known for their defensive behavior of spitting stomach oil at intruders.
Conservation
Threats
Plastic pollution (ingestion and entanglement), Oil spills, Climate change (affecting prey availability and breeding habitat), Bycatch in fishing gear, Human disturbance at breeding colonies
Protection Programs
International agreements to reduce marine pollution, Monitoring of populations and breeding success, Efforts to reduce bycatch in fisheries
Local National Laws
Protected under various national and international laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) internationally.
Population Trend
Stable
Population Estimates
The global population is estimated to be in the millions, making it one of the most abundant seabirds.
Interesting Facts
Fulmars can drink seawater.
They possess specialized salt glands that allow them to excrete excess salt.
They are known for their ability to project stomach oil.
This foul-smelling oil is used as a defense mechanism against predators and can also be used to feed their young.
They are long-lived birds.
Some individuals have been recorded living for over 60 years.
Their stiff-winged flight makes them masters of soaring.
They utilize wind currents and updrafts to travel long distances with minimal effort.
Faqs about Northern Fulmar
Are Northern Fulmars gulls?
No, Northern Fulmars are not gulls. They belong to the Procellariidae family, which includes petrels and shearwaters. They are distinguished from gulls by their tube-shaped nostrils and their stiff-winged flight.
What do Northern Fulmars eat?
Northern Fulmars have a varied diet that includes fish, squid, crustaceans, zooplankton, and offal. They are opportunistic feeders and will also scavenge carrion.
Where do Northern Fulmars breed?
Northern Fulmars breed on coastal cliffs and rocky islands in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans.
How long do Northern Fulmar chicks stay in the nest?
Northern Fulmar chicks typically fledge, or leave the nest, after approximately 46-51 days.
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