Razorbill
Scientific name: Alca torda
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Razorbills are compact auks with striking black and white plumage—black upperparts and head with white underparts and a distinctive white face line. Adults show a heavy, laterally compressed black bill with a white vertical line, and they are smaller and more delicate than Great Auks.
Size and weight
Adults weigh 0.6–0.8 kg with body length 37–39 cm; sexes are similar in size.
Habitat
Razorbills inhabit rocky coastal cliffs and offshore islands in northern Atlantic waters. They breed on steep cliff faces with crevices and boulder fields, spending winters at sea.
Distribution
Razorbills breed across the North Atlantic from Iceland, Scandinavia, and the British Isles to Greenland and northeastern North America. They occupy rocky coastlines and are most abundant in cooler northern waters.
Diet
Razorbills primarily hunt small fish (sand eels, capelin, sprats) and occasionally small crustaceans, obtained by pursuit diving to depths of 20–30 metres.
Behaviour
Razorbills are highly gregarious seabirds, active diurnally and crepuscularly while foraging. They are strong, agile fliers with rapid wingbeats; they breed colonially on cliffs and spend winters dispersed at sea.
Hunting tips
Locate birds at breeding colonies on cliff edges during daylight hours from vantage points above or at sea level. Approach colonies slowly and remain concealed; birds are sensitive to sudden movement and loud noise. Hunt from boats during winter dispersal when birds occupy open water—approach downwind and use low-profile positioning to close distance before birds dive.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.