Fulmar Prion
Pachyptila crassirostris
Small to medium-sized prion with dark “M'' stretched across back from wingtip to wingtip, noticeable in flight. Fulmar Prion has poorly defined facial markings and a broad, dark tip to the upper tail. Breeds on the Chatham Islands, New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, and Heard Island. Relatively sedentary and usually only seen around breeding colonies year-round. Very similar to the more abundant Fairy Prion and generally only distinguishable when in the hand. Fulmar Prion has a heavier bill with a larger hook and slightly darker tip to the underside of the tail.
Identification
The fulmar prion (Pachyptila crassirostris) is a species of seabird in the family Procellariidae, found in the southern oceans.
Taxonomy
The fulmar prion is a member of the genus Pachyptila – and along with the blue petrel – makes up the prions. They in turn are members of the family Procellariidae and the order Procellariiformes. The prions are small and typically eat zooplankton; however, as a member of the Procellariiformes, they share certain identifying features. First, they have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns, although the nostrils on the prion are on top of the upper bill. The bills of Procellariiformes are also unique in that they are split into between 7 and 9 horny plates. They produce a stomach oil made up of wax esters and triglycerides that is stored in the proventriculus. This is used against predators as well as an energy-rich food source for chicks and for the adults during their long flights. Finally, they also have a salt gland that is situated above the nasal passage and helps desalinate their bodies, due to the high amount of seawater that they imbibe. They excrete concentrated brine from their nostrils.<p>The fulmar prion has two subspecies:
- Scientific name
- Pachyptila crassirostris
- Authority
- (Mathews, 1912)
- Order
- Procellariiformes
- Family
- Procellariidae
- Genus
- Pachyptila
Range and habitat
The fulmar prion is pelagic and stays over the southern oceans. When breeding, they will come ashore and nest on Heard Island, Auckland Islands, Chatham Islands, Bounty Islands, and Snares Island.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Migration pattern: Complete migrants.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
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