Razorbill
Image: Remco Hofland (cc-by-nc)
NameRazorbill
Common NameRazorbill
Scientific NameAlca torda
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)64.5
Length (cm)40.5
Weight (g)695
Plumage DetailsAdults display glossy black upperparts, head, and throat, sharply contrasting with pure white underparts. During breeding season, a prominent thin white line runs vertically across the deep bill, and another white line extends from the eye to the bill. In winter, the throat and sides of the head behind the eye turn white.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent when at sea, Razorbills become vocal at their breeding colonies. They produce a range of guttural growls, grunts, and croaking sounds, often described as 'arrr' or 'karrr'.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsmarine, coastal, rocky islands, sea cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on islands and coastal cliffs across the North Atlantic, including eastern North America (eastern Canada, Greenland) and western Europe (Iceland, British Isles, Scandinavia, Russia). Winters further south in coastal waters.
Identifying FeaturesDeep, laterally compressed bill with a blunt tip and a prominent white vertical line (in breeding plumage), Black upperparts and white underparts, White line extending from eye to bill (in breeding plumage), Upright posture when on land, Strong diving capabilities for foraging
Description
The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird with a distinctive black and white plumage, expertly adapted for diving and swimming underwater. They spend most of their lives at sea, only coming ashore to breed on rocky cliffs and islands.
