The Northern Fulmar, a seabird inhabiting northern coastal regions of the Atlantic and Pacific, is often mistaken for a gull. Distinct from gulls, they have stiff-winged flight and nostril tubes on their bills. Found predominantly in subarctic waters, the Northern Fulmar possesses a unique defense mechanism. Understanding this is important for anyone encountering these seabirds.
The Fulmar’s Unique Defense
When threatened, the Northern Fulmar projectile vomits a foul-smelling, oily substance. This waxy mixture, composed of wax esters and triglycerides, is produced from its diet of fish, squid, and crustaceans, and stored in a specialized stomach called the proventriculus. The fulmar can accurately spray this oil up to several feet away. Both adult fulmars and their chicks possess this ability, which, while effective against predators, represents a significant energy expenditure.
The Harmful Effects of Stomach Oil
The stomach oil expelled by a Northern Fulmar can have severe consequences, particularly for other birds. When the oil comes into contact with another bird’s feathers, it compromises their natural waterproofing. This oily coating causes the feathers to mat and stick together, leading to a loss of both flight capability and water repellency. Birds affected in this manner can become waterlogged, eventually succumbing to hypothermia, exhaustion, or drowning. The oil is exceptionally sticky and difficult to remove, often taking more than three weeks for the affected bird’s plumage to regain its protective qualities.
For the fulmar itself, spitting this oil comes at a considerable cost. The oil serves as an energy-rich food source for chicks and provides adults with sustenance during long flights. Therefore, expelling it depletes the bird’s energy reserves, making both adults and young chicks more vulnerable. While not dangerous to humans, the oil is known for its offensive and fishy odor, which can persist on clothing for months or even years.
Ethical Wildlife Interaction
Observing Northern Fulmars and other wildlife requires maintaining a respectful distance to avoid causing disturbance. Unintentional triggering of a fulmar’s defense mechanism can result in significant negative impacts on the bird and its ecosystem. Disturbing seabirds, even inadvertently, can alter their natural behaviors, causing them to stop feeding or flee.
Human presence can lead birds to abandon their nests, leaving eggs or chicks exposed to predators, and may reduce overall breeding success. To minimize such impacts, it is advisable to adhere to principles of responsible ecotourism and “leave no trace” when in natural habitats. This includes refraining from feeding wildlife, sticking to marked trails, and respecting established rules designed to protect both animals and their environments.