Northern fulmar

Scientific name: Fulmarus glacialis

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Medium-sized seabird with stocky build, pale gray and white plumage, and a stout yellow-tipped bill. They resemble gulls but have a more compact head, shorter neck, and distinctive tubenose nostrils; some populations show darker morphs with gray-brown backs.

Size and weight

Adults weigh 0.7–1.0 kg with body length of 45–50 cm; males and females are similar in size with minimal sexual dimorphism.

Habitat

Northern fulmars inhabit open ocean and coastal cliff environments, nesting on steep rocky outcrops and sea cliffs at various altitudes. They spend most of the year at sea, returning to breeding colonies on land only during breeding season.

Distribution

Northern fulmars breed across Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, with major colonies on cliffs in Iceland, northern Europe, Greenland, and eastern North America. They range widely at sea during non-breeding months.

Diet

Northern fulmars feed primarily on fish offal, squid, and crustaceans scavenged from fishing vessels and natural marine carrion; diet varies seasonally with local prey availability and fishing activity.

Behaviour

Fulmars are diurnal and highly gregarious, spending daylight hours on the water or in flight with energetic, stiff-winged gliding patterns. They are skilled fliers adapted to coastal winds and spend winters in pelagic zones, returning to cliff colonies in spring.

Hunting tips

Approach breeding colonies early morning or late evening when birds are most active on cliff faces; glass cliffs from a distance to locate roosting and nesting birds. Move slowly along cliff edges using terrain features for concealment; strong winds typical of coastal nesting habitat aid approach. Target birds on water or in flight using offshore approach routes, as cliff-nesting birds are difficult to access quietly.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

Iceland

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.