The Northern Fulmar resembles a gull but is actually a tubenose related to albatrosses and petrels, and can be identified by its stiff-winged, gliding flight. It ejects a foul-smelling stomach oil at predators and intruders — the smell can persist on a bird for weeks. Light and dark color morphs exist; the dark morph predominates in the Pacific.
Habitat
Open subarctic and arctic ocean; nests on sea cliffs
Diet
Fish, squid, zooplankton, and ship offal
How common
Uncommon
Recent Northern Fulmar sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Northern Fulmar? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free