The Razorbill is a large species of alcid that breeds on the rocky shores and cliffs of the northern Atlantic coasts, from eastern North America as far south as Maine to western Europe, from Russia to France. They are highly adapted to life at sea, only coming ashore to breed. Their preferred nesting sites are on steep cliffs and among rocks where they lay their eggs directly on the bare rock surface.
Razorbills nest in large colonies and lay their eggs on bare rock. They are thought to have an average lifespan of 13 years, but a Razorbill that was ringed (banded) in the United Kingdom in 1967 was seen again in 2008, having reached the age of at least 41 years!
These birds are excellent swimmers, using their wings to 'fly' underwater while hunting for fish, which makes up the bulk of their diet. Razorbill pairs are monogamous, often reuniting at the same breeding site each year to raise a single chick together.
Florida birders have been treated to a rare sight this winter. Hundreds of Razorbills have been seen off both coasts of the state; the birds have been seen as far west as Pensacola along the Gulf of Mexico! The normal winter range for the Razorbill, which is a... Read more »
Razorbills typically live for 13 years, but one particular Razorbill that was ringed in 1967 was still spotted in the United Kingdom last year, over 41 years later! The same bird has been returning to the same cliff since hippies were wearing flowers in their hair and... Read more »
