Common Guillemot
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NameCommon Guillemot
Common NameCommon Guillemot
Scientific NameUria aalge
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)42
Weight (g)1025
Plumage DetailsAdults display dark brown to black upperparts, head, and neck, which contrast sharply with pure white underparts. The flanks are often streaked with dark lines. The bill is long, thin, pointed, and entirely black.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations at breeding colonies include deep, growling 'arrr' or 'karr' calls, purring sounds, and various croaks. They are generally quiet away from their colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal cliffs, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on rocky coasts and islands across the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, encompassing regions of Europe, North America, and Asia. Spends winters at sea, often near breeding grounds or migrating south to more temperate waters.
Identifying Featuresblack and white plumage, long, pointed black bill, upright posture on land, expert diving ability, colonial nesting on cliffs
Description
The Common Guillemot is a medium-sized seabird known for its sleek, upright posture and striking black and white plumage. It is an expert diver, using its wings to 'fly' underwater in pursuit of prey. These birds typically breed in dense colonies on steep coastal cliffs.
