The fulmar prion is a species of seabird in the family Procellariidae, found in the southern oceans.
Region
Southwest Pacific and Southern Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeds mainly on subantarctic islands south of New Zealand, especially the Auckland and Chatham Islands. Outside the breeding season it disperses widely over cold, open ocean waters of the Southern Ocean. At colonies it favors tussock-grass slopes, peat soils, and rocky coastal ground suitable for burrowing. Foraging typically occurs over continental shelf edges and areas of upwelling where plankton is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Fulmar prions are small seabirds of the Southern Ocean with specialized bills lined by comb-like lamellae that help them sieve tiny crustaceans from the surface. They nest in burrows on predator-free subantarctic islands and visit colonies mainly at night. The name “prion” comes from the Greek for “saw,” referring to the serrated edges inside the bill. They are agile fliers that skim low over waves, using wind and swell to conserve energy.
Temperament
pelagic and colonial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with low skimming glides over waves
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, nesting in burrows or rock crevices. Pairs are largely monogamous and return to the same nest sites in successive years. Typically visits colonies after dark, likely to reduce predation. Lays a single egg and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At sea it is mostly silent, but at night around colonies it gives soft cooing, purring, and chattering calls. Calls are often exchanged between mates at burrow entrances and serve to maintain pair bonds and territory.
Plumage
Pale blue-grey upperparts with a darker M-shaped pattern across the upperwings and back; clean white underparts. Face pale with a subtle dark eye-line; tail often shows a dusky terminal band.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small crustaceans such as copepods, amphipods, and krill, with occasional small fish and squid. Often uses surface-seizing and filtering, aided by fine lamellae in the bill to sieve plankton. May forage in groups where prey is concentrated by currents or wind-driven convergence lines.
Preferred Environment
Open ocean, especially cold, productive waters near shelf breaks and upwelling zones. Forages at or just below the surface and may associate with other small petrels.
