ExploreBirds

Black Guillemot

Cepphus grylle

The Black Guillemot is a small bird that loves to swim and dive in the ocean. With its black feathers and bright red feet, it is a beautiful sight near the coast!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Black Guillemot is a sleek seabird with a distinctive white patch on each black wing during summer. Its body is entirely black, contrasting sharply with its bright red legs and feet. In winter, its plumage changes to a mottled grey and white.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyAlcidaeGenusCepphus
Black Guillemot
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesocial trait badgepiscivorous trait badge
Black Guillemot

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Chicks are born dark and downy, able to swim the day they hatch!

Their bright red mouth lining flashes when calling, a secret signal!

They dig nesting burrows in soft cliff soil using their beak and feet.

They hide eggs deep inside rocky crevices, making nests tough to find.

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Navigator

Black Guillemots can 'fly' underwater, using their wings to propel themselves swiftly for diving after food.

Ability

Color Changer

Black Guillemots have feathers that dramatically change from black in summer to mottled white/gray in winter for camouflage.

Ability

Heat Radiator

Black Guillemots have bright red feet that act like built-in radiators, helping them regulate body temperature in water.

Measurements & details

Length
30-38 cm
Wingspan
49-58 cm
Weight
0.3-0.5 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
1-2
Incubation
28-32 days

Diet & Feeding

These speedy swimmers dive deep to catch small fish and yummy invertebrates from the ocean floor.

Primary Foods

  • Sandlances
  • Blennies
  • Sculpins
  • Cod
  • Shrimp
  • Marine Worms

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Pacific Sand Lance

Ammodytes hexapterus

Primary prey for adults.

hunts

Rock Gunnel

Pholis gunnellus

Common food source.

eaten by

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

Preys on eggs and chicks.

eaten by

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

Hunts adults and chicks near colonies.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Black Guillemot?

30-38 cm

What is Black Guillemot's wingspan?

49-58 cm

How much does Black Guillemot weigh?

0.3-0.5 kg

How long does Black Guillemot live?

10-15 years

How fast can Black Guillemot move?

70 km/h

What does Black Guillemot eat?

These speedy swimmers dive deep to catch small fish and yummy invertebrates from the ocean floor.

Where is Black Guillemot usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Black Guillemot hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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