Razorbill
Least ConcernAlca torda
Visual Identification
Razorbill
Appearance
The Razorbill is a striking seabird with a black upper body and white underparts. Its distinctive black, flattened bill has a white line near the tip. During breeding season, the plumage becomes fully black above and white below.
In winter, the face and throat turn white. Juveniles resemble adults but have a smaller, less developed bill. Both sexes look similar, with males slightly larger on average. These birds stand very upright on land, on large black webbed feet.
Size
Length
38cm to 43cm
Wingspan
60cm to 69cm
Weight
590g to 890g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Secondary Colour
Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Razorbills inhabit the North Atlantic Ocean, breeding on coastal cliffs and rocky islands. Their range extends from Arctic regions to more temperate areas, including the coasts of Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Europe.
In the UK, significant breeding populations can be found in Scotland, Wales, and parts of England. During winter, they disperse widely across the North Atlantic, sometimes reaching as far south as the Mediterranean.
In the US, the best place to see them is in the Gulf of Maine, where about 300 pairs nest. However, these birds wander as far south as Massachusetts in the non-breeding season.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Razorbills are primarily piscivorous, hunting schooling fish such as sand eels, herring, and capelin.
They dive from the surface, using their wings to propel themselves underwater, often reaching depths of 25 meters or more. They may also consume some marine invertebrates, including crustaceans and molluscs.
They are accomplished hunters and can catch multiple fish on a single dive, although they also steal from other seabirds like Puffins.
Behaviour
Razorbills are excellent swimmers and divers, using their wings to 'fly' underwater in pursuit of prey.
They often gather in large flocks at sea, forming dense rafts on the water's surface. On land, they walk awkwardly with an upright posture, typically seen only during breeding season.
Vocalisation
Razorbills have a low, guttural call often described as a growling 'arr-uh'. During the breeding season, they produce a variety of croaks, grunts, and moans.
At sea, they are generally silent, occasionally emitting soft, purring sounds when in groups.
Nesting & Breeding
Razorbills form monogamous pairs and typically return to the same breeding sites each year. The breeding season begins in late spring, with peak activity in May and June.
They nest on narrow cliff ledges or in crevices, laying a single egg directly on the rock. The egg is pear-shaped and varies in colour from white to brown with dark markings.
Both parents incubate the egg for about 35 days and care for the chick. The young Razorbill leaves the nest after 18-23 days, often before it can fly, accompanied by the male parent to the sea.
Lifespan
The Razorbill typically lives for 13 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 42 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Razorbills face threats from oil spills, fishing net entanglement, and climate change impacts on their prey species.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding colonies and marine habitats, as well as reducing pollution in their range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Razorbills near rocky coasts and offshore islands
- Best observed from coastal viewpoints or boat trips
- Identify by their distinctive black and white plumage and thick, blunt bill
- In the UK, visit breeding colonies in Scotland, Wales, and northern England from April to July
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Razor-billed Auk
Family:
AlcidaePredators
Main predators include large gulls, skuas, and ravens, which may prey on eggs and chicks. Adult Razorbills are occasionally hunted by seals or large predatory fish.
Did You Know?
- Razorbills can dive to depths of over 100 meters in search of food.
- They are among the fastest-flying auks, capable of reaching speeds up to 80 km/h (around 50 mph).
- Razorbill chicks leave the nesting site when only about 18 days old, unable to fly but ready to swim.
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FAQs
Is the Razorbill a penguin?
Despite their upright posture and black and white plumage, Penguins and Razorbills are only distantly related. Razorbills are flying birds of the Alcidae family of the Northern Hemisphere, while Penguins are flightless Southern Hemisphere birds from the Spheniscidae family.
Is Razorbill a marine bird?
Razorbills are true seabirds that only come to land to nest. Some colonies nest around large estuaries and brackish water systems, but they rarely visit freshwater habitats.
Similar Birds
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Alca torda (errata version published in 2023). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22694852A228697220.
View source - 3 4
report, 2017: Kolbeinsson & Poraninsson, Olsson & Hentati-Sundberg
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source