Razorbill

Alca torda

The razorbill is a medium-sized seabird. It is black above and white below. It has a thick black beak which is deep and blunt, unlike the thinner bill of the similar guillemot. It breeds around the coast of the UK, with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. There are none breeding between the Humber and the Isle of Wight. Birds only come to shore to breed, and winter in the northern Atlantic. The future of this species is linked to the health of the marine environment. Fishing nets, pollution and declining fish stocks all threaten the razorbill.

Where does it live?

Breeding

Rocky cliffs and among boulder scree close to the sea. The egg is cone-shaped, though slightly less so than the guillemot as a cone-shaped object will roll in an arc helping to prevent it rolling off the cliff.

Wintering

At sea

What does it eat?

Fish, especially sandeels, sprats and herrings.

What does it sound like?

It makes a growling ‘caarrrr’.

When to see it

From March to end of July. Rather scarce in inshore waters the rest of the time.