Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why do albatrosses and fulmars usually feed at the ocean surface?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Procellariiform
Black-browed albatross (Diomedea melanophris).
Albatrosses and fulmars are classified as surface feeders because they dive very little compared to other procellariiform birds. Instead of submerging, they often settle directly on the water to feed.1
Their diet is opportunistic and includes a variety of food sources found at or near the ocean surface, such as schooling fish, squid that rise to the surface at night, carrion, and garbage discarded from ships. While other related species like diving petrels are adapted to make short dives to capture prey, albatrosses and fulmars rely on their ability to remain on the surface to access these resources.1