A vagrant to the UK from its breeding grounds in Iceland and the far north of Scandinavia, it is rarely seen south of the northern Scottish islands. It strongly resembles the Guillemot and Razorbill in plumage, especially in summer. It has the alternative name of Thick-billed Murre.
Key ID Features
Very similar summer plumage to Guillemot, with dark chocolate brown back, head and neck and white breast and belly. However the Brunnich's can be separated by the shorter, thicker bill with a white gape stripe.
Close views also reveal a pointed white breast against the dark throat rather than the rounded white breast of the Guillemot.
Winter birds lack the dark streaking to the flanks and white cheeks with a dark facial stripe of winter Guillemots.
Overview
Scientific name: Uria lomvia
Family: Auks (Alcidae)
Where to see them:
With only 43 confirmed sightings of this rare visitor in the UK it is not an easy bird to see. Other than recent sightings in Poole Harbour and Filey in North Yorkshire and a 1977 visit off the Farne Islands, the far north coast of Scotland is the best chance of an encounter.
Seen in UK:
Rare winter visitor.
What they eat
Fish and crustaceans.
For more information click here
Location: Portland Harbour, Dorset
Photographer: Tim Tapley
