Key information
The black guillemot's striking black and white plumage and bright red feet make it easy to identify in summer. Unlike most other European auks the black guillemot is typically found in ones and twos, scattered around rocky islets. It is typical of the larger sea lochs of western Scotland and the northern and western isles, but is also found in Ireland, the Isle of Man and in a handful of spots in England and Wales.
What they eat:
Fish and crustaceans.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 30-32cm
- Wingspan:
- 52-58cm
- Weight:
- 300-460g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 19,000 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 58 - 80,000 birds (incl. Ireland)
- Europe:
- 120 - 290,000 pairs
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Black guillemot (summer plumage)
Black guillemot (winter plumage)
