Uppersurface of the inner wing and the mantle are a dark neutral gray. The bill is relatively slender and a dull lemon yellow, generally without additional markings. In alternate plumage, the head is immaculate white whereas in basic plumage the develops a dark gray smudge across the hind collar and an even darker spot over the ear coverts. There is also variable smudging above the eye. Birds in breeding condition develop a orange-red or red orbital ring which offsets the beautiful dark brown iris.
Some birds have a whitish tip to the bill.
The mouth and gape is orange. Very rarely shows some dark marks on the tail. Flies with leisurely wing beats in calm weather switching to more powerful strokes in higher winds. Under such conditions the wings are pulled back and are more bent at the carpal. In very winds will shear much like a fulmar.