Scientific Name: Cepphus grylle
Population: Estimated at close to 400,000–700,000 individuals globally
Regions: North Atlantic and Arctic coasts, including high Arctic islands and temperate zones
Destinations: Jan Mayen, Iceland, Canada, Svalbard, Greenland, Denmark, France, Norway, England, Scotland
Average Length: ~35 cm (13,7 in)
Average Weight: 300–550 g (0.7–1.2 lbs)
Diet Habits: Primarily benthic (bottom-dwelling) fish and crustaceans; forages in shallow waters and uses its feet actively while diving
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Alcidae
Genus: Cepphus
Species: Cepphus grylle
English: Black Guillemot
Danish: Tejst
Chinese: 黑海鸦 (Hēi hǎiyā)
Swedish: Tobisgrissla
Finnish: Riskilä
Norwegian: Teist
Polish: Nurzyk
Japanese: ウミバト (Umibato)
Spanish: Arao negro
French: Guillemot noir
They can be found along the coastal regions of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, and northern Europe. Fortunately, all these destinations are part of our various expeditions, giving you the opportunity to see these birds in person when you join one of our ships!
This sea bird has very distinctive features that are easily recognisable when spotted in the wild. They are the only auk (or alcid) in the North Atlantic with a completely black body, besides its black wings which feature a distinct white wing patch. Their legs and feet are bright red.
Smaller than other guillemot species, such as the thick-billed murre and common murre, the black guillemot measures approximately 35 cm (13,7 in) in length, with a weight between 300-550 g (0.7-1.2 lbs). If you happen to see one flying during your expedition, take a moment to admire its tiny wings, which are about 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) long. It's a fascinating sight to behold!
Their diet depends on the location and season, but it mainly consists of fish and crustaceans, which can also include molluscs and insects. For prey that is under the water, these black birds dive in to catch them, which is usually seafood found in shallow waters.
Fact #1: They breed in colonies on cliffs in the Arctic regions.
Fact #2: These birds lay two to three eggs, which is unusual for the auk species.
Fact #3: Their search for food takes place in shallow waters.
Fact #4: This black and white seabird stands out among other guillemots for its elegant contrast and visibility of the wing patch, even in flight.
Fact #5: Black guillemot babies are usually conceived during spring.
Fact #6: The black guillemot's winter plumage becomes black and white, with mottled white replacing much of the black.
Fact #7: When flying, they are seen as rapid-winged and low-flying, often skimming the surface of the water.
Fact #8: Black guillemot chicks can fall prey to Skuas.
Fact #9: Juvenile black guillemots can be easily identified by their mix of brown and black feathers.
Fact #10: They usually use their feet when diving.
Join on an Arctic adventure with Albatros Expeditions and witness the wonders of Arctic wildlife!
