Northern Fulmar: One of the Longest-Lived Birds

A fulmar is any of several species of gull-like seabirds of the family Procellariidae (order Procellariiformes), which also includes the petrels and the shearwaters. The northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), or fulmar petrel, has many fascinating characteristics, not the least of which is its extraordinary longevity.

Etymology
The name fulmar, which entered English in the 17th century, is of Scandinavian origin. It is akin to Old Norse fulmar ("fulmar"), from full ("foul") plus mar ("gull"), the bird being named for its foul odor.

The species name, glacialis, is based on Latin glacies ("ice") because of the bird's association with the icy northern climates.

The family name, Procellariidae, is based on Latin procella ("storm") because of the petrel's association with sea storms.

Physical Description
The northern fulmar ranges in length from 15 to 20 inches, in weight from 16 to 35 ounces, and in wingspan from 39 to 44 inches. Its color varies from white to dark gray.

The northern fulmar is shaped like a gull. It has long, rounded wings; a short, rounded tail; and a stout, pale bill.

Behavior
The northern fulmar breeds in some Pacific locations near Alaska and Canada, but it is far more abundant in the northeast Atlantic. It winters at sea anywhere from ice-covered northern waters down to temperate zones.

The northern fulmar glides low over the waves of the open sea, much like its relative the shearwater. Sometimes it takes food by dabbling while swimming, but often it will plunge from its flying position to a depth of as much as 10 feet for food.

It feeds mainly on fish, squid, and zooplankton. However, it will also eat other animal matter found at sea and will come ashore for carrion. The bird is well-known among commercial fishermen for its scavenging of garbage tossed overboard from fishing and whaling boats.

The northern fulmar nests in colonies on steep oceanic cliffs of the Arctic islands, the British Isles, and the coast of western Europe. The nest consists of a simple scraping on bare rocks or pebbles. The female lays one white egg.

Fascinating Facts
The northern fulmar is one of the longest-lived birds. An average life span is about 32 years, and some individuals probably live more than 50 years.

Breeding, too, is an old-age activity among northern fulmars. Most of them begin breeding at 8 to 10 years of age, an exceptionally late start among birds. Researchers found one northern fulmar that began breeding at the age of 20.