Birds nesting in Wales have been recorded feeding over 600 miles south on Sardines in the Bay of Biscay. Like all petrels they are marine birds which spend their lives on the open ocean except when breeding. They breed in colonies mostly on remote islands and sea cliffs though several species nest inland. They are all communal feeders, aggregating wherever food is plentiful. Most are nocturnal when on land during the breeding season, staying at sea until after sunset.
Fulmars are cold water lovers.
All seven species are fairly solid birds with strong bills. They are seldom seen in tropical or even subtropical waters. Six of the 7 species are limited to the southern hemisphere. The northern species, Fulmarus glacialis has shown considerable increase in its breeding range around the UK in the last 50 years. Fulmars can be distinguished easily from gulls because their wings stick straight out to the side and because of the prominent tubular nostrils on top of their bills.