Pigeon Guillemot
NamePigeon Guillemot
Common NamePigeon Guillemot
Scientific NameCepphus columba
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)63.5
Length (cm)33.5
Weight (g)500
Plumage DetailsIn breeding plumage, adults are entirely sooty black with a large, oval white patch on the upperwing. The inside of the mouth and the feet are bright red. Non-breeding plumage is mottled black and white, with less prominent white wing patches.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, whistling calls such as 'wheee-wheee' or 'peee-peee', often given during courtship or when disturbed at nesting sites.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound along the coasts of the North Pacific Ocean, from northeastern Siberia and Alaska, south along the Pacific coast of North America to California.
Identifying Featuresall-black breeding plumage, large white wing patch, bright red mouth lining, bright red feet, stocky body, pointed bill
Description
The Pigeon Guillemot is a medium-sized, stocky seabird known for its striking black plumage and prominent white wing patches during the breeding season. These agile divers forage for fish and invertebrates in coastal waters, often nesting in crevices along rocky shores and cliffs.
