Black Guillemot returning to his nest site in the harbour wall.

Status

 

Resident along all Irish coasts.

 

Identification

 

A species of Auk, highly marine and only found on land in the breeding season. Smaller than Guillemot, and only slightly bigger than Puffin. Plump and heavy at the rear end, flies with head pointing up. Strikingly distinctive in the breeding season, with an all black plumage, white upperwing patches and red feet. Can look all dark, at a distance, in the breeding season. Very different in the winter when the bird is white below with white barring above, upperwing pattern very similar to the breeding season and useful in identifying the species at that time of year.

 

Voice

 

Displaying birds voice a series of fine notes.

 

Diet

 

Marine fish and crustaceans

 

Breeding

 

Nests amongst boulders at the base of cliffs, also in rock crevices and in man made structures, such as piers. Will nest singularly and in loose colonies.

 

Wintering

 

Winters in the vicinity of its breeding sites and can be seen inshore throughout the year.

 

 

Done