The razorbill is a medium-sized seabird that is named for its unusually heavy, straight bill that resembles a razorblade. But why is this particular seabird called a razorbill when its bill doesn’t look like the bills of other birds? Let’s take a closer look at the history, physical characteristics, and habitat of the razorbill to understand how it got its unusual name.
Origin of the Name “Razorbill”
The word “razorbill” dates back to the mid-1700s and is derived from the word “razor” combined with “bill.” This is in reference to the bird’s distinctive bill that is flat, thin, and razor-like in appearance. Some key facts about the origin and meaning behind the razorbill’s name include:
- First known use of “razorbill” was in 1758 in Systema Naturae by Carl Linnaeus to describe the species.
- Comes from the words “razor” + “bill,” likening its bill to a straight razor blade.
- “Razor” refers to the bill being flat, thin, and sharp rather than serrated like a saw.
- The word “razorbill” replaced earlier “razor-billed auk” which was likely harder to say.
- Other languages also reference the razor-like bill such as German “Tordalk” which means “razor auk.”
So the razorbill gets its common name directly from the unique shape and appearance of its bill which was thought to resemble an old fashioned straight razor. Early scientists like Linnaeus saw the distinctive bill and adopted “razorbill” as part of the bird’s official scientific name.
Physical Characteristics of the Razorbill
To understand why the razorbill stands out for its bill shape, it helps to look at its physical characteristics in more detail:
- Length of about 17 inches (43 cm) and weighing around 25 ounces (750 g).
- Chunky black body with white underside and face.
- Webbed feet set far back for swimming.
- Wings designed for underwater swimming rather than flying.
- Straight, heavy bill that is thin and pointed.
- Bill shape varies slightly based on age and sex.
- Bill color starts black and fades to grayish-white as adults.
Compared to other auks, the razorbill has a disproportionately large and heavy bill. Its bill accounts for about 1/3 of its total body length. The bill is also broader and flatter than other auks, coming to a fine point. This gives it a very distinctive silhouette, unlike any other seabird, and makes the “razor” association obvious.
Bill characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Length relative to body | About 1/3 of total body length |
Shape | Long, broad, flat, and pointed |
Color | Black fading to grayish-white with age |
The razorbill’s wings are also adapted for underwater swimming rather than efficient flying. Combined with its hefty bill, the razorbill has an unmistakable silhouette unlike any other seabird.
Razorbill Habitat and Feeding
To understand the razorbill’s unusual bill, it also helps to consider the seabird’s habitat and feeding behaviors:
- Found along rocky northern coasts of the North Atlantic and North Pacific.
- Spends most of its life out at sea, coming to land only to breed.
- Builds nests in rocky crevices and cliff faces near the sea.
- Feeds almost exclusively on small fish such as sand lance, herring, and capelin.
- Catches prey by pursuit diving underwater using wings for propulsion.
- Bill shape helps razorbills grip slippery prey and makes them agile swimmers.
The razorbill is adapted to catching fish underwater. Its heavy straight bill has a sharp tip that helps grip slippery fish and pierce and clasp prey. The bill’s flat but strong shape may give it extra maneuverability and speed when swimming rapidly to catch prey underwater. Its wings are also designed for propulsion underwater rather than aerial agility.
How the Razorbill Uses its Bill to Feed
Bill characteristic | Feeding adaptation |
---|---|
Heavy and straight | Weight helps counteract buoyancy to dive quickly |
Pointed tip | Pierces prey fish for secure grip |
Flat and broad | Maneuverable when swimming underwater |
Grayish-white color | Camouflaged from prey looking up |
The razorbill’s bill is ideally adapted for its lifestyle. It allows the bird to grip fish in a way other seabirds can’t match. The bill’s shape is specialized for speed, maneuverability, and grip strength underwater where the razorbill does most of its hunting.
How the Razorbill Bill Compares to Other Auks
Looking at other auk species emphasizes what makes the razorbill’s bill so unique:
- Puffins – Smaller and deeper bill than razorbills. Bill has more grooves.
- Guillemots – Long pointed bill adapted for eating smaller fish.
- Murrelets – Short thick bill for eating invertebrates like krill.
- Dovekies – Short conical bill adapted for plankton feeding.
The razorbill has the largest, flattest, and most razor-like bill of any auk. This allows it to take on larger fish species and grip them securely. The prominent bill also aids steering and maneuverability when pursuit diving up to depths of 120 feet underwater.
Comparison of Auk Bills
Species | Bill shape | Feeding adaptation |
---|---|---|
Razorbill | Long, broad, and flat | Gripping larger fish |
Puffin | Short and deep with grooves | Gripping small fish |
Guillemot | Very long and pointed | Spearing fish |
Murrelet | Thick and stubby | Crushing invertebrates |
Dovekie | Short and conical | Straining plankton |
The razorbill diverged from other auks thanks to adaptations that improve its ability to catch larger, slippery fish underwater. Its bill truly stands out compared to close relatives.
Conclusion
In summary, the razorbill gets its unique common name from the characteristic bill that resembles an old fashioned straight razor. This heavy, broad, and flattened bill is disproportionately large compared to the rest of its body. The bill’s specialized shape equips the razorbill to grip large fish underwater when pursuit diving to catch prey. Compared to other auk species, the razorbill’s “razor” bill is unmatched in its adaptations for underwater feeding. So the next time you see a razorbill, take a closer look at that unique and specialized bill that inspired such an unusual common name over 250 years ago!