Black guillemot ©Tom Marshall
©Amy Lewis
Black guillemot
Look out for the black guillemot all year-round at scattered coastal sites in Scotland, England, Wales and the Isle of Man. It tends not to travel far between seasons, breeding and wintering in the same spots.
Scientific name
Cepphus grylleWhen to see
January to DecemberSpecies information
About
The black guillemot is a small auk that breeds among rocks at the base of cliffs, on lower slopes, or on rocky islands; they tend to be seen in small numbers. Black guillemots eat fish and crustaceans. They dive down from the surface of the water, and swim to catch their prey. Black guillemots have been observed carrying prey in their beaks for over an hour before eating it or feeding their young. Many thousands of black guillemots breed in the UK, scattered along the coast in pairs or small groups. Not moving far between seasons, in winter, you are likely to spot them in their breeding places.How to identify
In summer, the black guillemot is black all over, with a large, white oval patch on each wing. In winter, it turns white, with black barring on its back, and black wings. It has bright red legs and a red gape.Distribution
Nests on cliffs and rocky islands at scattered locations around the coast of Scotland, the Isle of Man and a handful of sites in England and Wales. Winters on, or near to, its breeding grounds.Did you know?
The black guillemot is also known as the 'tystie' in the Scottish Isles, which was probably derived from the Norse name for the bird.
Bertie Gregory/2020VISION
