Black Guillemots (m + f)
Black Guillemots / cepphus grylle. Oban, Scotland. 15/05/22.
I watched Black Guillemot courtship behaviour whilst pairs were swimming and also, when they flew to the top of the esplanade wall. The short displays were very intense and animated and I think would become more protracted as the month advanced.
The pair shown here had suddenly flown up from the sea and were vocalising to each other, beaks pointing slightly downwards. Moments later the male started a high-stepping walk around the female, his beak angled more acutely downwards. She immediately crouched submissively, but copulation didn't take place. It was early days for them and the behaviour more about strengthening their pair bond than procreation.
What a striking pair they made!
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
Black Guillemots (m + f)
Black Guillemots / cepphus grylle. Oban, Scotland. 15/05/22.
I watched Black Guillemot courtship behaviour whilst pairs were swimming and also, when they flew to the top of the esplanade wall. The short displays were very intense and animated and I think would become more protracted as the month advanced.
The pair shown here had suddenly flown up from the sea and were vocalising to each other, beaks pointing slightly downwards. Moments later the male started a high-stepping walk around the female, his beak angled more acutely downwards. She immediately crouched submissively, but copulation didn't take place. It was early days for them and the behaviour more about strengthening their pair bond than procreation.
What a striking pair they made!
BEST VIEWED LARGE.