Razorbill
ExploreBirds
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
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Underwater Flight
Razorbill can 'fly' underwater, using its short, strong wings to propel itself in pursuit of fish.
Ability
Saltwater Adaptability
Razorbill has special glands that help them drink saltwater, removing excess salt from their bodies.
Ability
Aerodynamic Diving
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Also known as
Common RazorbillTorda
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Razorbill?
38-43 cm
What is Razorbill's wingspan?
60-69 cm
How much does Razorbill weigh?
0.5-0.75 kg
How long does Razorbill live?
13-25 years
How fast can Razorbill move?
70 km/h
What does Razorbill eat?
These agile hunters primarily eat small fish and crustaceans found in the cold ocean waters.
Where is Razorbill usually found?
Coastal cliffs and ocean waters
How does Razorbill hunt?
Pursuit
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