: The Puffin’s Cousin
The Razorbill is a seabird that belongs to the auk family. It is often referred to as the puffin’s cousin because of its similar appearance and behavior. Razorbills are found in the Northern Hemisphere, specifically in the North Atlantic Ocean, from Greenland to Maine.
Basic Description
Razorbills are medium-sized birds that measure about 16 inches in length and weigh approximately 1 pound. They have black feathers with white underparts and a distinctive thick black bill that has a blunt tip. During mating season, they develop an elongated tuft on their necks called “hackles.”
Where To Find This Bird
If you want to see these beautiful birds, head towards rocky coastal areas close to open water where they breed during spring and summer months. Coastal cliffs or offshore islands are their preferred nesting sites.
Habitat
Although razorbills breed on cliffs or islands located near cold water regions of The Atlantic Ocean, they migrate southward for wintering time mostly between Scotland down through France’s western coastlines.
Food
Razorbills feed primarily on small fish such as sand eels, herring, capelin while also consuming krill or other crustaceans available along their migration route.
Cool Facts
• If scared by predators like Gulls or Peregrine Falcons while breeding in colonies along rocky shorelines razorbills will fly off cliff ledges into water far below them without hesitation.
• Razorbills can dive up to 330 feet underwater by using both wings as flippers guiding themselves after diving off rocky perches which aids them when hunting prey within deep waters.
• Razorbill pairs usually mate together for life if one member dies then remaining bird will search out new partner before next breeding season begins.
In conclusion,
If you love watching birds doing acrobatics over ocean waves with stunning backdrops of rugged cliffs, Razorbill is a must-see. They are beautiful birds with fascinating behaviors and habits that make them worth observing up close. So, head to the nearest rocky shorelines or offshore islands where you will see these amazing seabirds in action!
