The razorbill (Alca torda) is a species of seabird that belongs to the auk family. It is a medium-sized black and white bird with a large, heavy head and bill. Razorbills are found across the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, breeding in colonies on rocky cliffs and islands. Here is a quick overview of the razorbill’s distinctive appearance:
Size and Shape
Razorbills are stocky, short-necked seabirds growing to about 38–43 cm (15–17 in) in length with a wingspan of 60–73 cm (24–29 in). Their body shape is adapted for diving and swimming underwater. Razorbills have a rounded head, short tail, and pointed wings. Their legs are set far back on their bodies to provide more power for swimming.
Plumage
Adult razorbills are black on their head, neck, back, and upperparts. Their underparts are white. They have a thick black beak that is deep and blunt with a white line running across the top. Their eyes are dark brown. Razorbills have webbed feet with black claws.
During breeding season, razorbills develop a conspicuous thick white stripe along the eyes to the base of the bill. Their plumage is blacker than during winter months.
Immature razorbills are browner in color for their first few years, with some white markings on the neck and belly. After 3-4 years they acquire adult plumage.
Size Comparison
Razorbills are mid-sized members of the auk family. Here is how they compare in size to other auk species:
Species | Length (cm) | Wingspan (cm) |
---|---|---|
Razorbill | 38-43 | 60-73 |
Common Murre | 40-46 | 64-84 |
Thick-billed Murre | 38-43 | 63-73 |
Black Guillemot | 28-33 | 47-54 |
Puffin | 25-30 | 50-60 |
Dovekie | 18-21 | 34-40 |
As the table shows, razorbills are larger than puffins, dovekies, and black guillemots but smaller than common and thick-billed murres.
Distinguishing Features
Razorbill’s black and white coloration and large thick bill make them easy to identify. Here are some of their unique features:
- Thick blunt bill unlike the slender pointed bills of murres
- White line across the top of the bill (absent in murres)
- Black feet (murres have red feet)
- Prominent white stripe from eyes to bill during breeding season
- Stockier body and shorter neck compared to murres
In Flight
In flight, razorbills have black above and white below. Their wings are rounded with a distinctive white leading edge. The white stripe along the eyes to the bill is visible when viewing them from below. Their flight is direct and powerful with rapid wingbeats.
Diving Adaptations
As diving birds, razorbills have evolved several adaptations to help them catch fish and swim underwater:
- Streamlined body shape to reduce drag
- Wings provide propulsion underwater
- Feet set far back for more powerful kicking
- Wings stiffened to act as flippers
- Thick plumage and fat layer retain heat in cold water
- Salt glands to excrete excess salt from sea water
- Transparent nictitating membrane covers eye underwater
Voice
Razorbills are noisy, vocal birds on their breeding colonies. Their calls include deep groaning or grunting sounds, harsh clicking or croaking notes, and low moans or wails. Mated pairs also engage in mutual displays, pointing their bills up and calling, known as the “ecstatic display.”
Where Found
Razorbills breed on islands, cliffs, and rocky coastlines in temperate and subarctic regions across the northern Atlantic and northern Pacific oceans. Major breeding areas include:
- Eastern Canada
- Northeastern United States
- Iceland
- Northern Europe from the British Isles to Norway and Russia
- Kamchatka Peninsula and Aleutian Islands
During the nonbreeding season, razorbills disperse further south but generally not very far from their breeding sites, staying in cooler northern temperate waters.
Population and Conservation Status
The global population of razorbills is estimated at 1.4-1.7 million breeding pairs. Major threats come from oil spills, overfishing, disturbance of breeding sites, and climate change affecting prey fish populations. Razorbills have a conservation status of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Declines and Recovery
Razorbill populations suffered significant declines in the early 20th century from overhunting for eggs and feathers as well as oil spills. They have partially recovered after gaining legal protection but remain reduced from historical levels. Careful monitoring continues to ensure populations remain healthy.
Interesting Facts
- Mated pairs perform mutual billing displays, touching bills and calling loudly.
- Razorbills can dive to depths over 150 feet in search of fish.
- They nest in crevices on cliff faces, often in tightly packed groups.
- Parents only come to nest under the cover of darkness to avoid predators.
- Chicks leave the nest at 15-30 days, jumping into the ocean to swim away.
- Razorbills may live over 30 years in the wild.
Conclusion
In summary, the razorbill is a uniquely adapted seabird species recognized by its black and white plumage, thick blunt bill with white line, and conspicuous facial stripe during breeding season. Despite population declines in the past, razorbills continue to thrive across northern latitudes thanks to conservation efforts. Their unique appearance, diving behavior, and noisy breeding colonies make them a fascinating species to observe in the wild.