Birdsong field guide
Black Guillemot
Cepphus grylle
A medium-sized circumpolar seabird distinguished by its striking black breeding plumage, bold white wing patches, and vibrant coral-red feet.
What it sounds like
A series of high-pitched, thin whistling notes and piercing, bird-like 'peeps'.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- Unlike most alcids, they typically forage in shallow inshore waters rather than the open ocean.
- They undergo a dramatic seasonal transformation, molting into a pale, mottled grey and white plumage during winter.
- The bright red interior of their mouth is used as a visual signal during social and courtship displays.
- They are one of the few auk species that consistently lay two eggs per clutch instead of one.
- They use their wings to 'fly' underwater, reaching depths of up to 50 meters to hunt for blennies and butterfish.
Habitat
Rocky coastlines, cliffs, and boulder scree adjacent to shallow marine environments.
Range
Circumpolar distribution across the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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