Species › Birds › Razorbill

Razorbill

Alca torda

UncommonBird
Illustration of Razorbill (Alca torda)

The Razorbill is a stocky, distinctive alcid with a heavy, blunt black bill crossed by a white line and is the closest living relative of the extinct Great Auk. It breeds on rocky North Atlantic islands and winters at sea. The upright posture and deep bill give it a pugnacious appearance.

Habitat
Rocky North Atlantic coasts when breeding; open ocean in winter
Diet
Small fish, especially sand lance
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Razorbill

The best time to see a Razorbill is November–February, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,596 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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