Razorbill

The razorbill (*Alca torda*) is a North Atlantic seabird in the auk family (Alcidae).

The razorbill (Alca torda) is a North Atlantic seabird in the auk family, a colonial breeder that nests on rocky coastal cliffs and islands and feeds mainly on fish by diving underwater. It is the only living species in its genus and is closely related to the extinct great auk. In Canada, it breeds in eastern Canada, including Atlantic Canada.

Description

The razorbill is a stout auk with black upperparts, white underparts, narrow wings, and a distinctive thick bill marked by white lines in breeding plumage. It has a more upright posture on land than many other seabirds.

Distribution and habitat

Razorbills breed on rocky cliffs and islands across the North Atlantic, with major colonies in Iceland, Britain, Scandinavia, Greenland, and eastern Canada. Outside the breeding season, they spend most of their time at sea.

Behaviour and feeding

The species is a strong swimmer and diver that catches schooling fish underwater. It nests in colonies, and chicks typically jump from cliff nests before they can fly, then continue with the male parent in the water.

Conservation

The razorbill is listed as Near Threatened globally, although some sources describe the population as stable or increasing overall. It faces pressures including pollution, fishing nets, and changes in fish availability.