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.
Key ID Features
Similarly coloured to Guillemot in summer, although blacker, but thicker necked with a deep, blunt bill with an obvious white vertical line near the tip and another running horizontally across the top to the eye.
Juveniles and winter adults are less glossy with greyish-white neck and cheek patches.
Overview
Scientific name: Alca torda
Family: Auks (Alcidae)
Where to see them:
Best looked for at seabird colonies in the breeding season, particularly in northern Scotland. You may see them from seawatching points around the coast at other times.
Seen in UK:
On the breeding cliffs from March to end of July. Rather scarce in inshore waters the rest of the time.
What they eat
Fish, especially sandeels, sprats and herrings.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
