From Opus

Photo by Glen Tepke
Monterey Bay, California, USA, August 2003

Cerorhinca monocerata

[edit] Identification

38cm (15�) long, 56cm (22�) wingpan, with rounded body.
Hornlike protrusion on base of upper mandible distinguishes this bird; however, it is not present in winter. Generally dark brown, with whitish belly and yellow-orange bill. In breeding season, has two prominent white streaks on face extending backwards from above the eye and the base of the bill.

[edit] Distribution

West coast of North America: From Santa Barbara north to Aleutian Islands in summer, shifting south from mid-Baja to Vancouver Island in winter.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1].

[edit] Habitat

Near coastline on water, comes ashore to nest in burrows.

[edit] Behaviour

Oten seen in large numbers in winter. Awkward in takeoff, running on surface of water while gaining speed. Flies close to water in a straight line, often in "pace lines" with others.

Floats very low in water, consistent with other diving birds.

[edit] Diet

Dives frequently for small fish, can stay under for up to 2 minutes. Captures multiple fish in bill for transport to nest, similar to puffins.

Monogamous.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist

• List of references

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages