Common Guillemot
Image: Norm (cc-by-nc)
NameCommon Guillemot
Common NameCommon Guillemot
Scientific NameUria aalge
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)42
Weight (g)990
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown to black upperparts, head, and neck, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. The flanks often show dark streaking. The bill is slender and pointed, dark in color. Some individuals (the 'bridled' morph) have a white ring around the eye extending as a thin line behind it.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations at breeding colonies include deep, growling 'arrr' or 'karrr' calls, purring sounds, and various grunts and croaks. They are generally silent at sea.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsmarine, coastal, rocky cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, including North America, Greenland, Iceland, Europe, and Asia. Winters at sea, often near breeding grounds but can disperse widely.
Identifying Featuresblack and white plumage, sleek body shape, pointed dark bill, upright posture on land, diving behavior, often found in large colonies
Description
The Common Guillemot is a medium-sized seabird with a sleek, torpedo-shaped body adapted for diving. It spends most of its life at sea, coming to land only to breed on crowded, rocky cliff ledges. They are highly social birds, forming dense colonies during the breeding season.
