Fulmarus glacialoides
The Southern Fulmar, Fulmarus glacialoides, is a striking medium-sized seabird, a true inhabitant of the cold Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. Possessing a thick neck, short tail, and stout, yellowish bill with a dark tip, its plumage is predominantly pale grey on the upperparts and white below, with a distinctive white flash at the base of the primaries visible on the underwing – a key identification marker. Adults measure approximately 45-50 cm in length, boast a wingspan of 110-120 cm, ...
Exclusively pelagic, dwelling in the open cold waters of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic oceans. It breeds colonially on rocky coastal cliffs, ledges, scree slopes, or sometimes level ground on islands and continental coasts at sea level.
Primarily feeds on crustaceans, especially krill, but also consumes fish, squid, plankton, carrion, and offal from fishing operations.
Southern Fulmars are largely diurnal and highly social, often congregating in large flocks at sea, particularly around food sources or fishing vessels. Their foraging strategy primarily involves surface-seizing prey, though they are capable of shallow plunge-diving. They are highly colonial breed...
The Southern Fulmar's breeding range is restricted to the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, extending to various sectors of the Antarctic continental coast. Key breeding locations include South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, Bouvet Island, Prince Edward Island...
Least Concern
- Southern Fulmars, like all members of the Procellariiformes order, possess distinctive 'tube-noses' – tubular nostrils on top of their bills that house specialized salt glands, enabling them to drink saltwater and excrete excess salt. - When threatened, particularly at their breeding colonies, ...