Fulmars superficially resemble gulls, but are readily distinguished by their flight on stiff wings, and their tube noses. They breed on cliffs, laying one or rarely two eggs on a ledge of bare rock or on a grassy cliff. Outside the breeding season, they are pelagic, feeding on fish, squid and shrimp in the open ocean.

Nov 14, 2018 · Fulmar chicks repel predators in an unusual way and predators who think to snack on them regret it instantly. In fact, their defense mechanism is disturbing as they do this by projectile-vomiting. And it's not your usual bit of harmless baby puke either.

Mar 13, 2025 · The northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), a seabird, uses a different kind of vomit as defense. They eject a stinky, oily substance derived from their diet of fish and crustaceans. This oily goo can mat the feathers of predatory birds, rendering them unable to fly effectively, or even prove deadly in cold conditions by destroying the birds ...

May 11, 2011 · When confronted with anything -- from predatory eagles to gulls passing by to unwary rock climbers -- the fulmar chick will projectile vomit an oily secretion all over the face of the approaching animal.

Mar 8, 2025 · The Northern Fulmar: Oily Projectile Vomit The northern fulmar , a seabird found in northern oceans, has a particularly potent form of defensive regurgitation. They eject a stream of stinky, bright orange, oily substance called stomach oil.

Mar 7, 2012 · Babies of a bird species called the Eurasian roller vomit a foul-smelling orange liquid as a defence mechanism against predators, biologists have discovered.

Mar 6, 2020 · “Ralph” earned his name for this Northern Fulmar’s propensity to vomit as self defense. Photos by Cheryl Reynolds – International Bird Rescue. We’re seeing a lot of fulmars …

Sep 2, 2005 · The vomit attack can be lethal for predatory birds, because the oily substance coats their feathers and makes flying difficult. Researchers have found the bodies of 10 different kinds of birds covered in the oily mess. Other fulmars seem to be the only birds able to clean the oil from themselves.

Nov 17, 2016 · The fulmar is a kind of seabird that can shoot a stream of yellow stomach oil at targets up to 6 feet away. Even birds that haven’t finished hatching can reportedly squirt the liquid out of a ...

Both incubating adults and chick use projectile vomiting as a defensive against predators, the oily stomach contents effectively fouling the plumage of other birds. Wintering Winters at sea, but can be seen in Irish waters throughout the year.