Guillemot (Common)
NameGuillemot (Common)
Common NameCommon Guillemot
Scientific NameUria aalge
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)42
Weight (g)975
Plumage DetailsAdults in breeding plumage have dark brown (almost black) upperparts, head, and neck, contrasting sharply with a pure white belly and flanks. The bill is black and pointed. Some individuals exhibit a 'bridled' morph with a white eye-ring and a white line extending behind the eye.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet at sea, but at breeding colonies, they produce a variety of guttural growls, grunts, and purring sounds, often described as 'arrr' or 'karrr' calls.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsmarine, coastal, rocky cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, breeding on rocky coasts and islands in temperate and subarctic regions.
Identifying FeaturesDark brown/black upperparts and head, Pure white belly, Pointed black bill, Often seen swimming low in the water, Bridled morph (white eye-ring and line) in some individuals
Description
The Common Guillemot is a sleek, medium-sized seabird highly adapted for diving and swimming underwater. It spends most of its life at sea, coming to rocky cliffs only for breeding.
