ExploreBird

Razorbill

Alca torda

The Razorbill is a black-and-white seabird with a sharp bill. It loves to dive for fish in the cold ocean waters!

Habitat: Coastal cliffs and ocean waters

Appearance

The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird with a sleek, black back and a clean white belly. Its thick, blunt black bill has a distinctive vertical white stripe near the tip, setting it apart from other auks.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyAlcidaeGenusAlca

Razorbill

Interesting facts

A Razorbill's call is a low, rumbling purr, very different from other seabirds!

Razorbill chicks jump from cliffs at just 18 days old, before they can properly fly!

They form strong, monogamous pairs and often return to the same nest site year after year.

Young Razorbills are taken to sea by their fathers, who continue to care for them for weeks!

Special abilities

Razorbill can 'fly' underwater, using its short, strong wings to propel itself in pursuit of fish.

Razorbill has special glands that help them drink saltwater, removing excess salt from their bodies.

Razorbill has a streamlined body shape that helps them dive deep and move efficiently through the ocean.

Measurements & details

Length: 38-43 cm
Wingspan: 60-69 cm
Weight: 0.5-0.75 kg
Lifespan: 13-25 years
Top Speed: 70 km/h
Clutch Size: 1
Incubation: 30-37 days
Migration Distance: 1000 km

Diet & Feeding

These agile hunters primarily eat small fish and crustaceans found in the cold ocean waters.

Primary Foods

Capelin
Sandlance
Atlantic Herring
Cod
Crustaceans

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eats

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

Gulls are known to prey on Razorbill eggs and chicks.

eats

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

Foxes may raid nests on accessible cliff ledges for eggs.

hunts

Capelin

Mallotus villosus

Razorbills actively chase and catch capelin underwater for food.

hunts

Atlantic Herring

Clupea harengus

Herring are a vital food source for adult and young Razorbills.

Traits

Wildlife

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