Razorbills Nfld

"Razorbills Nfld" by Debbie Oppermann. The Razorbill (Alca torda) is a North Atlantic colonial seabird and the only extant member of the genus Alca of the family Alcidae, the auks. The Razorbill breeds throughout Atlantic Canada and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Razorbills are primarily black with a white underside. This black and white seabird has a stout neck and head and a thick, black beak with white banding. Large populations of razorbills can be found off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, and some winter even farther out into the Atlantic.The male and female are identical in plumage; however, males are generally larger than females. This agile bird, which is capable of both flight and diving, has a predominantly aquatic lifestyle and only comes to land in order to breed. It is monogamous, choosing one partner for life. Females lay one egg per year. Razorbills nest along coastal cliffs in enclosed or slightly exposed crevices. The parents spend equal amounts of time incubating, and once the chick has hatched, they take turns foraging for their young. A group of Razorbills gather on a rugged cliff, showcasing distinct black and white plumage. One bird is captured mid-flight above the others.