Alcids

Black Guillemot, Cepphus grylle

Family Alcidae (Alcids)

Size: 13"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Open coastal waters; steep, rocky offshore cliffs

The black guillemot is like an eastern version of the pigeon guillemot of the West Coast. It is compact with a longish neck, rounded head, narrow bill, and red-orange, webbed feet. Breeding plumage is black overall with a conspicuous solid white patch along the upper inner wing. Winter adults are white below, mottled gray and white on the back, and have a white head with variable gray smudging, especially around the eyes and crown. Black guillemots dive for fish and invertebrates in shallower water, propelled by wings and feet. The nonbreeding adult (left) and breeding adult (right) are illustrated.