In this DVD we get to know the Fulmarine
petrels. The DVD contains over 50 minutes of footage. The DVD begins with a
thorough introduction to the Fulmarine Petrels. This is followed by species
accounts with equal amounts of time given for each of the seven species.
Identification is explored and includes video footage of potential
identification pitfall species (e.g., albatrosses, Procellaria petrels, and
shearwaters). The footage is accompanied by commentary that draws attention to
important identification features and other interesting matters. An informative
30+ page booklet is included that consolidates all the key points covered in
the DVD and adds to this a wealth of additional interesting facts. Fulmarine petrels are almost exclusively found in the Southern Hemisphere where they are frequently encountered on short-range pelagic trips and expedition cruises. Northern Fulmar is the only extant Fulmarine to occur in the Northern Hemisphere. Fulmarines nest at high to moderate latitudes and disperse to lower latitudes. They frequent regions that experience extreme cold weather, strong winds, and heavy sea conditions. Indeed, three species have a close relationship with the Antarctic pack ice – Snow and Antarctic Petrels and Southern Fulmar. Fulmarine petrels are a fascinating group that exhibit a number of key characteristics. They have prominent nasal tubes on top of a relatively large bill, fairly long narrow wings designed for efficiency, wings held outstretched and stiff wing flaps. Colour extremes are white in the Snow Petrel and white morph Southern Giant Petrel to sooty-brown in juvenile Giant Petrels; with grey and white in Northern and Southern Fulmars, brown and white in Antarctic Petrel, and black and white in Cape Petrel. |
The current taxonomy is as follows. Procellariiformes: Tubenoses Procellariidae: Fulmars, Pterodromas, Prions and Shearwaters Fulmars: Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes halli (monotypic) Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus (monotypic) Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis (polytypic) Southern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialoides (monotypic) Cape Petrel Daption capense (polytypic) Antarctic Petrel Thalassoica antarctica (monotypic) Snow Petrel Pagadroma nivea (uncertain) |