Photo: Steve Hillebrand/USFWS · Chagulak Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska · U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service · Public Domain
Seabirds
Northern Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialis
A supremely pelagic seabird that glides on stiff wings just above wave crests. Northern Fulmars occur in two color morphs — dark (predominant in the Pacific) and light — and are among the most commonly encountered birds on any Bering Sea or North Pacific pelagic trip. They congregate in large numbers around fishing vessels.
Where to look
Any Bering Sea or North Pacific pelagic trip; breeds in large colonies on St. George Island (Pribilofs) and cliffs throughout the Aleutians.
Habitat
Open ocean; nests on cliff ledges and grassy slopes.
Diet
Fish, squid, crustaceans, and carrion from fishing vessels.
Natural history note
Northern Fulmars can projectile-vomit a foul-smelling stomach oil at potential predators from several feet away.