razorbill
1. Bird Name:
English name: Razorbill
Scientific name: Alca torda
2. Appearance:
The razorbill is a striking black and white seabird. It has a thick black upper body and white underside, resembling a tuxedo look. Its back, neck and top of its head are glossy black, setting off a sharply contrasting white stomach and chest. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the razorbill is its deep-set, razor-like bill, a strong piece used for catching fish. Inside the bill, there are brilliant stripes of yellow and red. The eyes are dark and surrounded by a thin white line, adding to the bird’s sharp appearance.
There are no major differences in appearance between male and female razorbills, both sexes bear a close resemblance to each other.
3. Size:
Razorbills, on average, measure around 38-43 cm (15-17 inches) in length. They have a wingspan of approximately 60-69 cm (24-27 inches). The weight of these birds typically range between 525 to 890 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution:
Razorbills are primarily found in the Northern Atlantic Ocean and the seas bordering northern Europe. They inhabit the coastal cliffs of northern Scotland, the Faroe Islands, and Norway east through Iceland and Greenland. In North America, they range from Maine north to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. During the non-breeding season, they can also be found offshore in the Atlantic. They have a high affinity for open sea and rocky cliffs where they breed and nest.
5. Interesting Facts:
a. Razorbills usually mate for life. They perform elaborate displays of affection which involve touching beaks and preening each other.
b. Despite their somewhat clumsy appearance on land, razorbills are excellent divers, reportedly reaching depths of up to 120 meters to catch their prey.
c. In certain cultures, razorbills have been symbols of courage and persistence due to their hardy survival in harsh climates.
6. Diet:
Razorbills mainly subsist on a diet of fish, particularly herring, anchovies, and sand-eels. They are excellent divers and swimmers, using their wings and streamlined bodies to capture their agile underwater prey.
7. Behavior & Sounds:
Razorbills have fascinating behavior patterns. They typically prefer nesting in the same area where they were hatched. Their nests are simplistic, often just a scrape on a ledge or a crevice within the cliff. Their call is a low growling sound, which they usually produce while in flight or while feeding chicks.
8. Conservation Status:
According to the IUCN Red List, the razorbill is currently classified as Least Concern (LC). However, changes in marine environment, oil spills and overfishing can be potential hazards for their population.
9. Lifespan:
The life of a razorbill in the wild averages between 13 to 15 years. In captivity, provided with care and protection, these birds may live significantly longer.
10. Additional Notes:
In many northern European languages, the razorbill has been dubbed with different names. For instance, it’s called ‘alk’ in Dutch, ‘torda’ in Italian, and ‘alka’ in Polish. Razorbills are known to interact with humans usually without aggression, but maintain a safe distance. Their role in the ecosystem is as a middle-order consumer, controlling populations of fish and being prey for larger predators, thus maintaining ecological balance.
