Black Guillemot

22 hours ago

Spotted

A distinctive medium-sized auk, recognized by its striking black plumage with prominent white wing patches during breeding season. These skilled divers primarily feed on small fish and crustaceans, inhabiting northern coastal waters.

Where to spot

North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, breeding on rocky coasts and islands. Found in coastal waters, often close to shore, in areas with suitable nesting sites.

How to spot

Look for them near rocky shores, often diving for food or resting on the water. Their bright red feet and mouth lining are noticeable in close views, particularly during the breeding season.

When to spot

Breeding plumage (mostly black with large white wing patches) is seen in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, their plumage is mottled grey and white, and they disperse more widely along coasts.

Where to spot

North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, breeding on rocky coasts and islands. Found in coastal waters, often close to shore, in areas with suitable nesting sites.

How to spot

Look for them near rocky shores, often diving for food or resting on the water. Their bright red feet and mouth lining are noticeable in close views, particularly during the breeding season.

When to spot

Breeding plumage (mostly black with large white wing patches) is seen in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, their plumage is mottled grey and white, and they disperse more widely along coasts.

Credits: By Tystie aka Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle), Uyea Sound by Mike Pennington, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=125067596

Unlike most other auk species, Black Guillemots typically lay two eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties, which is unusual for auks.

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