Black Guillemot

Cepphus grylle (Linnaeus, 1758)

Black Guillemot, Cepphus grylle, is an auk found on coasts across North America and the Palearctic, from the high Arctic to the northern temperate North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. Outside the breeding season it moves into ice-free waters close to its breeding areas. It is a seabird of rocky shores, cliffs and islands, and is often seen alone or in small pairs. In summer it shows black plumage with a large white wing patch, a black bill and coral-red feet.

Order

Charadriiformes

Family

Alcidae — Auks

Breeding range

North America, Palearctic: coasts of high Arctic to n temperate North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean

Nonbreeding range

to ice-free waters near breeding range