Black Guillemot
NameBlack Guillemot
Common NameBlack Guillemot
Scientific NameCepphus grylle
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)53.5
Length (cm)31
Weight (g)380
Plumage DetailsDuring the breeding season, adults display a glossy black body plumage with a large, oval white patch on each wing, visible both at rest and in flight. Their legs and feet are a vibrant coral red, and the bill is slender and black. In winter, their plumage becomes mottled black and white, with a white underside.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations include a series of high-pitched whistles, trills, and squeaks, often given during courtship or when disturbed near their nesting sites. They can also produce a soft, purring call.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBlack Guillemots are found in the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, breeding on rocky coasts and islands from eastern North America (including the Canadian Arctic and Greenland) across to Iceland, Scandinavia, and northern Russia.
Identifying FeaturesSolid black body plumage (breeding season), Prominent white wing patch, Bright red legs and feet, Slender, pointed black bill, Diving behavior
Description
The Black Guillemot is a medium-sized seabird known for its striking black plumage with a prominent white wing patch during breeding season. These agile birds are expert divers, using their wings to 'fly' underwater in pursuit of prey. They typically inhabit rocky coastlines and islands, nesting in crevices and under boulders.
