FULMAR

OverviewAlmost gull-like, this grey and white seabird is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings, with shallow wingbeats , gliding and banking to show its white underparts then grey upperparts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face, riding the updraughts. They will feed in flocks out at sea. They defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil.
Where to see them:Not difficult to see. Breeds all around the coast of Ireland where suitable cliffs provide breeding opportunities, can also be seen at sea throughout the year. Commonest in the west of Ireland but still plentiful in the east. During the 'Seabird 2000' survey, nearly 40,000 nesting sites were counted.
Habitat:A
Diet:A great variety of food taken including fish, discards from trawlers, crustaceans and whale flesh.
Additional:A
  When to see them:Present at the breeding sites nearly all year, although young birds leave in late summer. Can be most easily seen offshore, away from breeding areas, from August to November.
European Population Size:Approx 102,000
IdentificationA gull-like bird with white underparts and pale grey upperparts. Also occurs in darker morphs ('Blue Fulmars'), which are commoner in the north of its range but not in Ireland. Has a thick neck and large head. Shows a pale primary patch on the upperwing. Does not show gull-like black tips to the primary feathers. Straight, stout bill with hooked tip and tube shaped nostrils on the upper mandible, giving distinctive bill shape if seen at close range. Nostrils used to excrete salt. Flies with very stiff wings, uses long glides at sea, with series of stiff, shallow wing beats. Hangs in the wind in the fierce updrafts generated by steep cliffs, where it can even fly backwards. Cannot stand upright, so needs to launch itself from a high ledge or patters along surface of sea to become airborne.
    BehaviourA
DistributionA