Northern Fulmar vs Manx Shearwater

The Northern Fulmar and Manx Shearwater are both seabirds, but they can be distinguished by their structure and flight style. The Northern Fulmar is stockier with a thicker neck and a more robust bill, while the Manx Shearwater is slender with a longer wingspan relative to its body size.

Look for the stocky build and thick neck of the Northern Fulmar, especially in flight. Note the black-and-white contrast in the Manx Shearwater's plumage. Observe the flight style: stiff-winged gliding for Fulmars versus fluttering for Shearwaters. Consider the habitat and season: Northern Fulmars are more likely in colder waters, while Manx Shearwaters are more common in warmer seas.

The Northern Fulmar is larger and bulkier, with a wingspan of about 102–112 cm, compared to the smaller Manx Shearwater, which has a wingspan of approximately 76–89 cm.

Northern Fulmars have a pale grey body with a white head and dark wingtips, while Manx Shearwaters are characterized by their stark black-and-white plumage, with a black upper body and white underparts.

Northern Fulmars often glide with stiff wings, whereas Manx Shearwaters exhibit a more agile, fluttering flight pattern with rapid wingbeats.

Both species are pelagic, but Northern Fulmars are more commonly seen in colder northern waters, while Manx Shearwaters are often found in temperate and subtropical seas.

Northern Fulmars are generally silent at sea but can be vocal at colonies, producing harsh, cackling calls. Manx Shearwaters are also silent at sea but are known for their eerie, wailing calls at night near breeding sites.