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The Northern Fulmar ( Fulmarus glacialis ), known as fýll in Icelandic, is one of the most common and hardy seabirds in Iceland. Though they resemble gulls, they are members of the petrel family—closely related to albatrosses—and are easily distinguished by their stocky build, thick necks, and prominent tube-like nostrils. Key Characteristics & Behavior
Their nostrils are housed in a small tube on top of the bill, used for salt excretion and a keen sense of smell to locate food over vast oceans.
They are masterful gliders, using "stiff-winged" flight to ride air currents just above the waves, rarely flapping compared to gulls.
When threatened, fulmars can projectile-vomit a foul-smelling, sticky orange oil. This oil is lethal to other birds as it mats their feathers, destroying their waterproofing and buoyancy.
Northern Fulmar Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
In Iceland, you will primarily see the "light morph" (white head/body with gray wings), though "dark morphs" (uniformly smoky gray) are also present. Habitat and Viewing in Iceland
The Northern Fulmar ( Fulmarus glacialis ), known as fýll in Icelandic, is one of the most common and hardy seabirds in Iceland. Though they resemble gulls, they are members of the petrel family—closely related to albatrosses—and are easily distinguished by their stocky build, thick necks, and prominent tube-like nostrils. Key Characteristics & Behavior
Their nostrils are housed in a small tube on top of the bill, used for salt excretion and a keen sense of smell to locate food over vast oceans. Northern Fulmars in Iceland.
They are masterful gliders, using "stiff-winged" flight to ride air currents just above the waves, rarely flapping compared to gulls. The Northern Fulmar ( Fulmarus glacialis ), known
When threatened, fulmars can projectile-vomit a foul-smelling, sticky orange oil. This oil is lethal to other birds as it mats their feathers, destroying their waterproofing and buoyancy. They are masterful gliders, using "stiff-winged" flight to
Northern Fulmar Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
In Iceland, you will primarily see the "light morph" (white head/body with gray wings), though "dark morphs" (uniformly smoky gray) are also present. Habitat and Viewing in Iceland