The species was once assigned under the now-obsolete genus Fulmariprion[2][3] (from "fulmar" and "prion").

The prions are small and typically eat zooplankton;[5] however, as a member of the Procellariiformes, they share certain identifying features.

They produce a stomach oil made up of wax esters and triglycerides that is stored in the proventriculus.

This is used against predators as well as an energy-rich food source for chicks and for the adults during their long flights.

[6] Finally, they also have a salt gland that is situated above the nasal passage and helps desalinate their bodies, due to the high amount of seawater that they imbibe.