Fulmar Prion

Fulmar prion is a sturdy blue-grey prion with a relatively heavy head and bill, breeding on New Zealand’s remote southern islands. The familiar black M, white underside and black tail tip accompany a broad-based bill and full forehead. Fairy prion has a smaller, finer bill and less massive head.

It breeds mainly on the Bounty and Snares islands and ranges through southern New Zealand and subantarctic waters. Birds take crustaceans, squid and fish at the surface and nest in rock crevices rather than relying only on soil burrows.

Fulmar prion is At Risk — Naturally Uncommon (NZ Threat Classification). Its restricted breeding range makes severe storms and introduced predators important risks. Subantarctic voyages near the Bounty and Snares islands give the best chance; mainland records are largely pelagic.