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Guillemot

Uria aalge

The UK’s coasts have many stretches of sheer cliffs where seabirds breed and the guillemot is one of the most prevalent birds in the great ‘seabird cities’. They land only to nest, spending the rest of the time life at sea: unfortunately this means they can be vulnerable to oil spills.

Dark brown and white, not as black as the similar razorbill, it has a 'bridled' form with a white ring round the eye and stripe behind it.

Breeding

On narrow, horizontal or sloping ledges on sheer cliffs and on top of offshore rock stacks. The egg is cone-shaped helping to prevent it rolling off the cliff.

Winter

Out at sea.

Eat

Fish and crustaceans.

Sound

Loud whirring sound.

Spot them

From March to the end of July on the Bass Rock, Isle of May, Fidra and Craigleith.

Guillemot facts