Northern Fulmar Identification

Northern Fulmar Light morph
Light morph

Stocky gull-like seabird with a thick neck and a bull-headed appearance. Flies like a tank with stiff wingbeats. Varies in color from dark gray to nearly white. Note gray rump and tail on light morph birds.

© Christoph Moning | Macaulay LibraryNorðurland eystra, March 03, 2014
Northern Fulmar Dark morph
Dark morph

Stocky gull-like seabird that flies on outstretched stiff wings. This bird is darker gray than other light morph birds in the Atlantic.

© Luke Seitz | Macaulay LibraryNew Brunswick, September 10, 2011
Northern Fulmar Light morph
Light morph

Like many seabird species of the high arctic, Northern Fulmars are highly opportunistic feeders. They often consume discarded fish from commercial fishing vessels, squid, crustaceans, and carrion.

© Benjamin Clock | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 10, 2012
Northern Fulmar Dark morph
Dark morph

Stocky gull-like seabird with a thick neck, bull-headed appearance, and a pale stubby bill. Varies in color from dark gray to nearly white.

© Matt Brady | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, October 19, 2010
Northern Fulmar Light morph
Light morph

This light morph bird is white overall with gray wings and darker gray wingtips. Often rests on the water with other Northern Fulmars.

© Evan Lipton | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, November 10, 2015
Northern Fulmar Light morph
Light morph

Breeds on steep sea cliffs. Spends the winters at sea from ice-covered northern waters to temperate zones.

© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryNewfoundland and Labrador, May 30, 2010
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Adult Description

  • Medium-sized seabird; gull-sized.
  • Shaped like a gull, glides like a shearwater.
  • Moderately long, rounded wings.
  • Short, stout, pale bill.
  • Short, rounded tail.
  • Small dark patch in front of eye.
  • Morphs vary from white to dark gray.
  • Lighter morph whitish or light-gray on back and upper wings, with white head and neck.
  • Darker morph uniformly gray.

Immature Description

Similar to adult.
Relative Size

Relative Sizecrow sizedcrow-sized
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 15.3-19.7 in (39-50 cm)
    • Weight: 15.9-35.3 oz (450-1000 g)
    • Wingspan: 39.4-44.1 in (100-112 cm)