Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
Description
A small seabird, roughly the size of a pigeon, which frequents rocky coasts. Often seen on the sea singularly or in pairs, prefering the shallower waters, closer to the shore. During the summer, the Black Guillemot has a striking black plumage with contrasting, white wing patches. The feet are a distinctive red and the bill is slender and black. In Winter, the smart, pied appearance moults into a mottled grey and white although the white wing batches are still present.
The Black Guillemot feeds mainly on fish and crustaceans and dives in search of food. It breeds at low levels in crevices or among boulders on rocky shores and at the base of cliffs.
Flight
Low and fast over water. White wing patches very prominent.
Call
Various, high pitched whistles.
Habitat
Rocky coasts and on sea.
Where to find Black Guillemot
North and West coast of Scotland, Coast of Ireland, Isle of Man and Anglesey. In particular, St. Bees Head RSPB Reserve, Cumbria or Oban Harbour, Scotland.