Fulmarus glacialis (Linnaeus, 1761)

Taxonomy and Naming

This species, the northern fulmar (scientific name: Fulmarus glacialis (Linnaeus, 1761)), measures 46 cm (18 in) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 102 to 112 cm (40–44 in).

Size and Body Mass

Body mass of the northern fulmar varies between 450 to 1,000 g (16 to 35 oz).

Basal Coloration and Extremities

Its base coloration is grey and white, with a thick pale yellow bill and bluish legs.

Color Morph Varieties

Three different color morphs exist for the species: a light morph, a dark (or "blue") morph, and an intermediate morph found only in the Pacific Ocean.

Dark Morph Underbody Trait

Only the dark morph has more than just dark edges on its underbody.

Shared Wing Primaries Trait

All morphs share pale inner primaries on the upper surface of their wings.

Regional Morph Tail Difference

Pacific intermediate morphs have darker tails than Atlantic morphs.

Locomotion Ability

Similar to other petrels, northern fulmars have limited walking ability.

Flight Characteristics

They are strong fliers with a stiff wing movement that differs noticeably from that of gulls.

Morphological Comparison to Gulls

Compared to gulls, they have a bull-necked appearance and short, stubby bills.

Lifespan Records

They are a long-lived species; a 31-year lifespan is common, and an individual over 50 years old has been exceptionally recorded on Eynhallow in Orkney.