Razorbill
NameRazorbill
Common NameRazorbill
Scientific NameAlca torda
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)40.5
Weight (g)625
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black head, neck, back, and upperwings, contrasting sharply with a pure white breast and belly. A thin white line extends from the eye to the bill, and a prominent white vertical line crosses the bill. In winter, the throat and sides of the head behind the eye turn white.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, but at breeding colonies, they emit a variety of guttural growls, grunts, and croaking sounds, often described as 'arrr' or 'karrr'.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal cliffs, rocky islands, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on rocky coasts and islands in the North Atlantic, including eastern North America (eastern Canada, Greenland) and Europe (Iceland, British Isles, Scandinavia, Russia). Winters mostly at sea, often migrating south of breeding grounds.
Identifying Featuresstout, laterally compressed bill with a white vertical line, black upperparts and white underparts, thin white line from eye to bill (breeding plumage), upright posture on land
Description
The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird with a distinctive stout, laterally compressed bill. It has a striking black and white plumage, spending most of its life at sea but coming to rocky coasts to breed.
