Black guillemot

Language English

Onglets

Description

Distinguishing features

The summer plumage of the black guillemot is totally black, with the exception of a white patch on each wing. Its feet and the inside of its mouth are vermilion red. In winter, the belly and neck turn white, and its back and head are marbled with white. The male and female are similar in appearance.

Reproduction

It reaches sexual maturity at about age four. The female generally produces two eggs a year. Incubation lasts 23 to 29 days. The young remain in the nest for 34 to 39 days, and are cared for by both parents, which generally mate for life.

Diet

Black guillemot feeds on small fish, including capelin, smelt, sea lances and blennies, as well as on invertebrates on the sea bottom.

Predators

Adults are hunted by raptors such as peregrine falcons. Large seagulls and large fish may also hunt them. The eggs and young are eaten by Arctic fox, red fox, crows and sometimes by seagulls.

Habitat

This seabird feeds near the shore. It nests in small colonies in cliff faces, crevices and crannies of talus slopes.

Ecology, behaviour

The black guillemot never strays far from the coast. It prefers shallow water, since it does not dive more than 40 m underwater. These birds never form large colonies, but rather many small scattered colonies.

French name

Guillemot à miroir

Scientific name

Cepphus grylle

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Birds

Order

Charadriiformes

Family

Alcidae

Size

Height: 30 to 35 cm; girth: 52 to 58 cm

Weight

Average: 428 g

Life span

In nature: average 12 years

Status

Fairly common species : Least concern

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