Black Guillemot
Cepphus grylle
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Black Guillemot showcases a striking seasonal plumage change. In summer, it sports a velvety black body with conspicuous white wing patches, complemented by vibrant red legs and feet. Their sharp, straight bills have a red inner lining.
Winter brings a dramatic transformation, with the bird adopting a mottled grey and white plumage. Juveniles resemble winter adults but with darker upperparts and less defined wing patches.
Size
Length
30cm to 32cm
Wingspan
52cm to 58cm
Weight
300g to 460g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Red
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Black Guillemots inhabit coastal areas across the northern Atlantic and Arctic regions. They prefer rocky shores, cliffs, and offshore islands, rarely venturing far from land. Their range includes the coasts of North America, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Europe.
In the UK, they are year-round residents along Scottish coasts and islands, with some populations in Northern Ireland and northern England. North American birds can be found from Alaska to New England, with some southward movement in winter.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Black Guillemot. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Black Guillemot exhibits remarkable agility, particularly in aquatic environments. Its ability to 'fly' underwater, make swift dives up to 50 metres deep, and take off from calm water without a running start demonstrates exceptional manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong for its size, the Black Guillemot possesses sufficient strength to dive repeatedly and pursue prey underwater. Its capacity to carry fish back to its young and navigate challenging coastal environments indicates moderate strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Black Guillemot shows notable adaptability through its seasonal plumage changes, ability to nest in various coastal structures, and capacity to thrive in both subarctic and temperate climates. Its partial migratory behaviour further exemplifies its adaptive nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally non-aggressive, Black Guillemots are often seen in pairs or small groups rather than large colonies. They may display territorial behaviour during breeding season, but are not known for marked aggression towards other species or conspecifics.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Black Guillemot demonstrates considerable endurance in its diving abilities, often making repeated dives to depths of 30-40 metres. Its capacity to withstand cold waters and harsh coastal conditions, coupled with its ability to undertake partial migrations, indicates robust endurance.
Diet
Black Guillemots are primarily piscivorous, feeding on small fish such as sand eels, capelin, and sculpins. They eat a variety of other sea creatures, such as squid, crustaceans, worms, and molluscs.
Unlike many seabirds, they forage in relatively shallow waters, typically diving to depths of 30-40 meters in search of prey whilst staying submerged for as long as two minutes while searching the seabed. Their short wings help them 'fly' through the water.
Behaviour
Black Guillemots are excellent swimmers and divers, using their wings to 'fly' underwater in pursuit of prey. They often bob on the water's surface, diving frequently.
On land, they exhibit a distinctive waddling gait and are more solitary than many other auk species, often seen in pairs or small groups rather than large colonies.
Vocalisation
The Black Guillemot's vocal repertoire includes a high-pitched, thin whistle, often described as a 'weeep' or 'teee-a'. During the breeding season, they produce a series of these whistles in rapid succession, creating a distinctive trilling sound that echoes along rocky coastlines.
They also utter a drawn-out whistle when disturbed by humans or other potential predators.
Nesting & Breeding
Black Guillemots form monogamous pairs, often returning to the same nesting site year after year. Breeding season typically begins in late spring, with courtship displays including synchronised swimming and billing.
Nests are located in crevices among rocks or cliffs, sometimes in man-made structures. The female lays 1-3 eggs, usually two, which are pale with dark speckles.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 28-32 days. The chicks fledge after 30-40 days but continue to be fed by their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Black Guillemots face threats from oil spills, marine pollution, and climate change. Rising sea temperatures may affect their prey availability, potentially impacting breeding success.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding habitats and reducing marine pollution.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive white wing patches when in flight
- Search rocky coastlines and offshore islands, especially in northern regions
- Listen for their high-pitched, whistling call near nesting sites
- Observe their diving behavior from coastal vantage points
Additional Information
Predators
Did You Know?
- Black Guillemots can dive to depths of up to 50 meters in search of food.
- They are one of the few seabirds that can drink saltwater, thanks to special salt glands.
- Unlike many auks, Black Guillemots can take off from calm water without running along the surface.
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Cepphus grylle. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22694861A132577878.
View source - 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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