An unmistakable bird with its black back and white underparts, and distinctive black head with large pale cheeks and a tall, flattened, brightly-coloured bill. Its comical appearance is heightened by its red and black eye-markings and bright orange legs. Used as a symbol for books and other items, this clown among seabirds is one of the world's favourite birds. With half of the UK population at only a few sites it is an Amber List species.
Key ID Features
In adult breeding plumage they are unmistakable with white breast and all black upper parts, cap and neck framing a white facial disc in which sits a triangular dark eye.
The large triangular bill patterned in blue, orange, yellow and red, is only present in summer and bright orange legs help to separate it from other auks.
Winter birds, lacking the elaborate bill which becomes duller and smaller, are rarely seen other than far out in the Atlantic.
Overview
Scientific name: Fratercula arctica
Family: Auks (Alcidae)
Where to see them:
Best looked for at a breeding colony. Try the RSPB's Bempton Cliffs (N Yorks) and South Stack (Anglesey) reserves; the Farne Islands and Coquet Island (Northumberland); the Isle of May (off the Fife coast); and the Shetland and Orkney Islands.
Seen in UK:
Adults arrive back at the breeding colony in March and April and leave again in mid-August. Some remain in the North Sea at winter, other move further south to the Bay of Biscay.
What they eat
Fish, especially sandeels.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland
Photographer: Tim Tapley
