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(Common) Guillemot
Uria aalge
Size: 38-46cm
UK Status: very common resident and migrant breader | Commonest auk found around the UK coast. Dark Brown head and back, white front (breast down to feet). Some Guillemots have thin white eye ring and line behind eye, known as 'bridled' variety. During winter face whitens. Stands upright when on land. Often confused with Razorbill. best distinguished at closer range by bill shape (straight and pointed). In flight feet project behind body, whereas Razorbill tuck feet under tail, also less white visible on sides between wings and tail than Razorbill, which has narrower rump. Breeds around the coast of Britain and North Europe on unaccessible cliffs, winters at sea. | |
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