Razorbill (Alca torda)
Description
Similar to Guillemot in size but has larger, rounder head, shorter neck and heavier bill. The bill has a vertical white line with another running horizontal towards eye.
In Summer, upperparts are black with white underparts. In Winter, upperparts become brownish black with white chin, throat and sides of neck.
Excellent swimmer, as with all Auks. Dives for its diet of fish, crustaceans and molluscs.
Nests on cliffs and among boulders. Often in colonies with Guillemots and Kittiwakes. The larger colonies exist in Nortern England, Scotland and Ireland although there a some colonies in Wales and Southern England.
Flight
Low, fast and direct over water.
Call
Growling and grumbling during breeding
Habitat
Breeds on sea cliffs. Outside of breeding, spends all of its time out to sea.
Where to find Razorbill
At cliff colonies during breeding which lasts from March to end of July. Small numbers at Durlston Country Park, Swanage during April, May and June and also at Portland Bill.