Razorbill
Sign in to saveThe 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".
AI overview
The razorbill is a North Atlantic seabird and the last surviving member of its genus, making it the closest living relative to the extinct great auk. It matters as an important part of alcid diversity and as a living link to understanding a now-vanished species that once shared its ecological niche.
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Article
15 sectionsContents
- Taxonomy
- Fossil record
- Subspecies
- Description
- Distribution and habitat
- Behaviour
- Reproduction
- Nest sites
- Incubation and hatching
- Feeding
- Diet
- Predators
- Conservation and management
- References
- External links
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. The parents spend equal amounts of time incubating, and once the chick has hatched, they take turns foraging for their young.