Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialis
Overview
The Fulmar looks like a gull but is not a gull at all — it's related to petrels and albatrosses. The stiff, unbowed wings and gliding flight on wind are the key features. It has a tube nose on the top of its bill — common to all tubenose seabirds, which excrete salt this way. Fulmars defend their nest ledges by spitting foul-smelling stomach oil at intruders. They live for 50+ years and are one of the longest-lived birds in Britain.
At a Glance
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Habitat | Open sea · Offshore coastal water |
| Diet | Fish, squid, crustaceans, offal from fishing vessels — surface feeds and shallow dives |
| UK population | Around 500,000 pairs — amber-listed due to recent declines in the north |
| Sefton Coast | Regular offshore — usually 1–10 birds visible on any scan in spring and summer |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Offshore from Formby Point and Ainsdale. Flies on stiff, unbowed wings.
Identification
Gull-sized but stockier. Stiff, straight wings held flat and slightly bowed down at tips — not the gull's flexible, angled wing. Grey above, white below. Tube on top of bill. Gliding, shearwater-like flight in wind.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Compare with gulls on any offshore scan — the different wing shape and stiff gliding flight are immediately apparent. Strong winds bring them closer to shore.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Fulmars spit at intruders?
Fulmars defend their nests by projectile-vomiting stomach oil at threats — with impressive accuracy up to a metre. The oil is produced in the stomach and is sticky, foul-smelling and can mat the feathers of other birds, reducing insulation and waterproofing. This defence is so effective that even large predators such as Golden Eagles avoid Fulmar colonies.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.