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 Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialis Length 45cm, Wingspan 105cm.
Nests in colonies on N Atlantic bird cliffs, has increased
during the 1900s. Nesting-cliff ledges are surrounded
by greenery. Vomits stinking secretion over intruders
at the nest. Between large and small gulls in size,
but behaviour and proportions immediately distinguish
it from these: flies like a miniature albatross, sails
along in long glides on stiff, straight wings, exploiting
the air currents close above the wave crests or alongside
the nesting cliff faces. Wingbeats stiff. When swimming,
floats high on the water. Leaps into flight when it
takes off from the water. Has characteristically robust
head and neck area, short tail and short, thick bill.
Upperparts grey with pale patches on 'wrists', underparts
white (light phase) or pale grey ('blue' phase; of northern
origin). Lacks white trailing edge to wing shown by
gulls. Silent, but cackling calls can be heard at the
nest and from flocks searching for food (sometimes 1000s
of birds). Follows ships. RS
 An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
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