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Razorbill

Alca torda

Photo by LisaGrant
Published on Project Noah
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52.125, -6.59722

Field Notes

Description:

The Razorbill, Alca torda, is a large auk, 38–43 cm in length, with a 60–69 cm wingspan. It is the only living member of the genus Alca. Adult birds are black on their upperparts and white on the breast and belly. The thick black bill has a blunt end. The tail is pointed and longer than that of a Murre. In winter, the throat and upper chest turn white.

Habitat:

Their breeding habitat is islands, rocky shores and cliffs on northern Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine, and in western Europe

Notes:

If you are looking for a good location for bird watching for sea birds in Ireland, highly recommend a trip out to the Saltee Islands.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)

Wow, very very beautiful! Really different.
Thanks for the comment, they do look rather intimidating with the way the white stripe goes from their eyes to their beaks.
Can see why they are called a razorbill.

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