Fulmar Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Fulmars, or Fulmarus glacialis, are highly skilled seabirds, spending much of their time over the open ocean in search of food. They glide gracefully over large stretches of water, feeding on a variety of marine organisms.
In this article, we’ll learn how Fulmars hunt, the threats they face, and the key measurements that describe them. Keep reading for more details.
Table of Contents
The Dietary Habits Of The Fulmar
Let’s take a look at what Fulmars eat and how they feed their chicks once they hatch.
What Does A Fulmar Eat?
The Fulmar’s diet includes fish, shrimp, squid, jellyfish, and small crustaceans. Known as opportunistic feeders, they often follow fishing boats to feed on discarded fish and other waste.
Most of their food is caught at the surface, although they can dive a few metres if needed. Their strong sense of smell is essential for finding food across the vast ocean they inhabit.
What To Feed A Baby Fulmar?
After hatching, Fulmar chicks are fed a mixture regurgitating from the stomach of their parents, mostly of fish, squid, and oil rich substances.
The oil is not just nutritious but also offers a form of defence, which the chicks can use to protect themselves from predators by expelling the oil.
Breeding Habits Of Fulmars
Fulmars reach sexual maturity at different ages, usually between 5 and 20 years old, with males averaging around 8 years and females closer to 12.
They begin breeding from late May to early June, laying just one egg per season. Their nests are typically found on cliffs or rock faces, though they can sometimes be seen on flatter grounds or even on urban structures near the coast.
Once the egg is laid, both parents take turns incubating it, which lasts around 47 to 54 days. The chicks, covered in a light layer of down, are altricial and rely on their parents for food and safety.
The period before they fledge lasts from 70 to 75 days, during which they are cared for by their parents.
Do Fulmars Mate For Life?
Fulmars are known to mate for life, usually staying with the same partner year after year. This strong connection is shown when they return to the same nesting sites with their mate each breeding season.
During this time, they often engage in mutual preening and head wagging, which helps strengthen their bond.
The Size & Weight Of Fulmars
Let’s take a look at the weight and size of Fulmars, including their typical wingspan and body length.
How Much Does A Fulmar Weigh?
The Fulmar typically weighs between 610 to 1,000 grams, with males sometimes being slightly heavier than females. While they’re about the same size as medium sized gulls, they are distinguished by their broader wings and extraordinary gliding ability.
How Big Is A Fulmar?
Measuring between 45 to 50 cm in length, the Fulmar has a wingspan that stretches from 100 to 112 cm. This size allows them to use ocean winds and updrafts to travel over great distances across the sea.
Are Fulmars Under Threat?
The Fulmar is currently classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not at immediate risk of extinction on a global scale. This is because of its wide range and large population, estimated to be between 7 and 30 million individuals worldwide.
However, concerns remain in certain regions, particularly across parts of Europe, where populations have been declining since the mid 1980s. These declines are largely due to environmental changes that have affected their food sources and breeding success.
In the UK, the Fulmar is listed as an Amber species under the Birds of Conservation Concern. This indicates a degree of concern for the species, though it is not as critical as those on the Red list.
Major threats include bycatch in fishing nets, ingestion of plastic, oil spills, and climate change, all of which can impact their food supply and habitats.
What Eats A Fulmar?
Red foxes are the primary predators of Fulmars at their breeding colonies. Rats can also pose a threat in these areas, though the birds are generally not at risk from these predators once they leave their nesting grounds.
An interesting defence mechanism Fulmars have is the ability to release a foul smelling oil that helps repel predators.
Where Can I See Fulmars In The UK?
Across the UK, Fulmars can be seen in various key locations known for their lively seabird populations.
Fowlsheugh in Crawton features a beautiful cliff top walk with views of the sea cliffs, home to thousands of seabirds during the warmer months.
St. Bees Head in Cumbria, the largest seabird colony in north-west England, is another great place to see Fulmars, particularly during the breeding season.
Dunnet Head in Brough, located at the northernmost tip of the British mainland, is famous for its rugged landscapes and sea views full of seabirds.
Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland, home to the West Light Seabird Centre, is a great location for seeing Fulmars among the dramatic cliffs and powerful waves.
Marwick Head on Orkney is a ‘seabird city’ along a stunning coastline, making it a favourite among birdwatchers eager to spot Fulmars.
These locations are busiest in the spring and summer, when Fulmars come ashore to breed, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
SEE ALSO: Fulmar Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)
Frequently Asked Questions
A Fulmar’s diet mainly consists of fish, shrimp, squid, jellyfish, and small crustaceans. They are opportunistic feeders, often following fishing boats to scavenge discarded fish and other waste.
Fulmar oil, regurgitated by the chicks, is highly nutritious and serves a defensive purpose as well. The chicks can expel this oil to protect themselves from predators.
A Fulmar typically lays just one egg per breeding season.
At their breeding colonies, the primary predators of Fulmars include red foxes and rats. However, these birds are generally safe from such predators once they leave their nesting grounds.
