Razorbill

Alca torda

Audubon Illustration

John James Audubon, Birds of America (1827-1838). Public domain.

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About the Razorbill

The razorbill (Alca torda) is a North Atlantic colonial seabird and the only extant member of the genus Alca of the family Alcidae, the auks. It is the closest living relative of the extinct great auk (Pinguinus impennis). Historically, it has also been known as "auk", "razor-billed auk" and "lesser auk". Razorbills are primarily black with a white underside. The male and female are identical in plumage; however, males are generally larger than females. This agile bird, which is capable of both flight and diving, has a predominantly aquatic lifestyle and only comes to land in order to breed. It is monogamous, choosing one partner for life. Females lay one egg per year. Razorbills nest along coastal cliffs in enclosed or slightly exposed crevices.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name: Alca torda
Family: Auks, Murres, and Puffins
Order: Charadriiformes

Similar species

Other members of the auks, murres, and puffins family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

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