©Mike Snelle
Related to the massive albatross, the fulmar is a gull-like bird that nests on rocky cliff edges. Don't get too close, though - it spits a foul-smelling oil at intruders.
Species information
Statistics
Length: 44-50cmWingspan: 1-1.2m
Weight: 610-1000g
Average lifespan: 44 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
Fulmars are members of a group of birds known as 'tubenoses', or 'petrels', which includes both giant albatrosses and tiny storm petrels. In the 1800s, fulmars only nested in one or two places on islands in the far north of Scotland. Since then, they have expanded their range and can be found around the UK's coast, nesting in colonies on cliffs or flocking to feed out at sea.How to identify
The fulmar looks similar to a gull, but with straighter, stiffer wings and a thickset neck. It has a white head and underside, grey wings and grey-yellow beak.In our area
The Isles of Scilly are home to breeding populations of thirteen species, including fulmars, with around 20,000 birds in all. The best time to enjoy them is the spring and summer, from April to July, when you'll see the biggest diversity. Kittiwakes loiter around the islands, whilst fulmars hang on the wind off their cliffs. Shags stand sentry on the rocks, puffins, guillemots and razorbills hang out on their islands, whilst flocks of gannets (which don’t breed on Scilly) feast on the small fish that are shoaling around the islands. Gulls swoop around the harbour and bays and shout out their noisy calls over Hugh Town.