Pelagic Surface feeders

Gull-like white or grey sea birds that fly close to and feed near the surface. Can gather in larger flocks near eddies where the biological production is high, and may forage far from the colonies in the breeding season. Considered to be somewhat less vulnerable to oil on the surface than the diving species, as they spend less time on the sea surface, but are not known to avoid slicks. Breed in colonies in the outer coastal areas, often on steep cliffs (kittiwake, gannet, fulmar) or on lower rocks and islets (gulls).

Environmental zone