Black Guillemot
Black guillemots are easily spotted in the Arctic seas by their black bodies and bold white wing patches.
Facts about Black Guillemot
- Arctic
- Canada
- Faroe Islands
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Jan Mayen
- Svalbard
- Europe
- Denmark
- England
- France
- Norway
- Scotland
Black Guillemot Quick Overview
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: Adult: ~35 cm (13.8 in)
Average Weight: Adult: 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
Black Guillemot Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Alcidae
Genus: Cepphus
Species: Cepphus grylle
Black Guillemot Explorer Passport
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
Unlocking the Secrets of the Black Guillemot
Where does the Black Guillemot live?
This beautiful bird with black and white wings can be found along the coastal regions of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, and northern Europe.
What does a Black Guillemot look like?
This guillemot bird is the only alcid in the North Atlantic with a completely black body, but its black wings feature a distinct white wing patch, and its legs and feet are bright red.
How big is a Black Guillemot?
Smaller than other guillemots birds, such as the thick-billed murre and common murre, the black guillemot bird measures approximately 35 cm in length, with a weight between 300 and 550 g. Whenever you spot a black guillemot in flight, you can observe its small wings, which range in size from 50 to 60 cm.
What does the Black Guillemot eat?
Black guillemot diet consists of fish and crustaceans, and it can usually be found in shallow waters.
Now you know! That bird black and white over Arctic waters is definitely a Black Guillemot.
How Many of These 10 Black Guillemot Facts Did You Already Know?
Black Guillemot Fact #1:
It breeds in colonies on cliffs in Arctic regions.
Black Guillemot Fact #2:
Black guillemots lay two to three eggs, which is unusual for auks.
Black Guillemot Fact #3:
Their search for food takes place in shallow water.
Black Guillemot 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.
Black Guillemot Fact #5:
Black guillemot babies are usually conceived during spring.
Black Guillemot Fact #6:
The black guillemot's winter plumage becomes black and white, with mottled white replacing much of the black.
Black Guillemot Fact #7:
Black guillemots flying are seen as rapid-winged and low-flying, often hugging the surface of the water.
Black Guillemot Fact #8:
Black guillemot chicks can fall prey to Skuas.
Black Guillemot Fact #9:
Juvenile black guillemots can be easily identified by their mix of brown and black feathers.
Black Guillemot Fact #10:
They usually use their feet when diving.
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