ExploreBirds

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

The Pigeon Guillemot is a black and white bird that loves to dive into the ocean for fish! They are great swimmers and can be seen along rocky coastlines.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Pigeon Guillemot is a striking seabird with a sooty black body and vibrant red feet and mouth lining. It has prominent white wing patches that stand out against its dark plumage, making it easily distinguishable from similar-sized auks.

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

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Guillemot chicks are born with fluffy down and can swim on their own in just two days!

Pigeon Guillemots often lay their eggs in caves or under boulders, not traditional nests!

Their bright red feet and mouth lining glow even brighter during breeding season!

They can sometimes be spotted swimming upside down to peer into rock crevices for food!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Wings

Pigeon Guillemot can fly underwater using its wings to chase fish and crabs in coastal waters.

Ability

Crevice Nester

Pigeon Guillemot has speckled eggs that blend into dark rock crevices, keeping them safe from predators.

Ability

Deep Sea Hunter

Pigeon Guillemot can dive over 30 meters deep to hunt for bottom-dwelling prey on the seafloor.

Measurements & details

Length
30-37 cm
Wingspan
56-62 cm
Weight
0.45-0.55 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1-2
Incubation
28-32 days
Migration Distance
500 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds are expert underwater hunters that gobble up fish and marine invertebrates from the sea.

Primary Foods

  • Sandlance
  • Sculpins
  • Blennies
  • Crab larvae
  • Shrimp
  • Small octopuses

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

Gulls often prey on Guillemot eggs and chicks in colonies.

hunts

Pacific Sandlance

Ammodytes hexapterus

A primary food source, caught by diving underwater.

hunts

Kelp Greenling

Hexagrammos decagrammus

Frequently targeted fish species found in their coastal habitat.

eaten by

Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Introduced rats can raid nests for eggs and chicks.

eaten by

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Eagles occasionally prey on adult guillemots or fledglings.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Pigeon Guillemot?

30-37 cm

What is Pigeon Guillemot's wingspan?

56-62 cm

How much does Pigeon Guillemot weigh?

0.45-0.55 kg

How long does Pigeon Guillemot live?

10-15 years

How fast can Pigeon Guillemot move?

60 km/h

What does Pigeon Guillemot eat?

These birds are expert underwater hunters that gobble up fish and marine invertebrates from the sea.

Where is Pigeon Guillemot usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Pigeon Guillemot hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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