Razorbill
NameRazorbill
Common NameRazorbill
Scientific NameAlca torda
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)64.5
Length (cm)40.5
Weight (g)695
Plumage DetailsAdult Razorbills have glossy black upperparts, head, and neck, sharply contrasting with pure white underparts. During the breeding season, a thin white line extends from the eye to the base of the bill, and a prominent white vertical line crosses the bill. In winter, the throat and foreneck turn white.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent when at sea, Razorbills become vocal at their breeding colonies. Their calls include various growls, grunts, and a low, guttural 'arrr' or 'karrr' sound.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal cliffs, rocky islands, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeRazorbills breed in the North Atlantic, including the coasts of eastern North America, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia, and western Europe. They spend winters mostly at sea, often migrating south of their breeding grounds.
Identifying Featuresthick, laterally compressed bill with white line, black upperparts and white underparts, white line from eye to bill (breeding plumage), upright posture on land
Description
The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird characterized by its distinctive thick, laterally compressed bill. It has striking black and white plumage, perfectly adapted for its life at sea where it dives efficiently to catch fish. These birds typically breed in dense colonies on rocky cliffs and islands.
