Razorbill

Also known as Alca torda

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. It is the closest living relative of the extinct great auk (Pinguinus impennis). Historically, it has also been known as "auk", "razor-billed auk" and "lesser auk".

AI overview

The razorbill is a North Atlantic seabird and the last surviving member of its genus, making it the closest living relative to the extinct great auk. It matters as an important part of alcid diversity and as a living link to understanding a now-vanished species that once shared its ecological niche.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Least Concern

razorbill

Species

PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyAlcidae

Habitatmarine

Observations10,774

via IUCN

Wikidata facts

Image: Razorbill (Alca torda) taking off.jpg

Show 6 more facts

taxon name: Alca torda
Commons category: Alca torda
Commons gallery: Alca torda
wingspan: 0.661
taxon common name: pitorru
short name: A. torda

Sources (7)

via Wikidata · CC0

~15 min read

Article

15 sections

Contents

Taxonomy
Fossil record
Subspecies
Description
Distribution and habitat
Behaviour
Reproduction
Nest sites
Incubation and hatching
Feeding
Diet
Predators
Conservation and management
References
External links

Razorbills are primarily black with a white underside. 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.