Fulmar

The Fulmar is a sturdy seabird that looks similar to a gull. It has stiff, straight wings that it holds flat when flying, which sets it apart from true gulls. Its feathers can range from pale grey and white to darker smoky grey. The bird has a thick neck and tube-shaped nostrils that can be seen up close. These birds glide smoothly on rising air currents along coastal cliffs and rarely flap their wings. Fulmars live in the North Atlantic, breeding on steep sea cliffs and rocky ledges around Britain, Ireland, and Iceland. During the rest of the year, they travel widely across the open ocean. They nest in groups on steep coastal sites and often return to the same spot for many years. When they feel threatened, Fulmars defend themselves by throwing up a foul-smelling stomach oil at intruders with surprising accuracy.