Today’s Bird: Northern Fulmar/ Havhest / Stormfågel ( Photo from Nordic Biology Museeum , the Birds On The Bottom Cliff)
Latin name ( Text from RSPB)
Fulmarus glacialis
Family
Petrels and shearwaters (Procellariidae)
Overview
Almost gull-like, this grey and white seabird is related to the albatrosses. It flies low over the sea on stiff wings, with shallow wingbeats, gliding and banking to show its white underparts then grey upperparts. At its breeding sites it will fly high up the cliff face, riding the updraughts. They will feed in flocks out at sea. They defend their nests from intruders by spitting out a foul-smelling oil.
Where to see them
Always offshore, except when breeding. Found near all suitable cliffs. Best looked for at seabird colonies – most abundant along Scottish coastline, especially on the Northern Isles. Least common along the east, south and north-west coasts of England.
When to see them
Present at the breeding sites nearly all year, although young birds leave in late summer. Can be most easily seen offshore, away from breeding areas, from August to November.
What they eat
Fish waste and crustaceans.
Estimated numbers
| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | 504,756 pairs | 1.6-1.8 million birds |
