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;Alca torda | ;Alca torda | ||
| − | [[Image:Razorbill.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by johnmoonie]] | + | [[Image:Razorbill.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by johnmoonie <br/>Photographed: Farne Islands]] |
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | + | 38-43 cm in length, with a 60-69 cm wingspan. It is the only member of the genus Alca. | |
| + | |||
| + | Adult birds have black upperparts and a white breast and belly. The bill is thick and black with a blunt end. The tail is pointed and long. In winter, the black face becomes white. | ||
| + | |||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| + | Northern Atlantic coasts, in eastern [[North America]] as far south as Maine, and in western [[Europe]] from northwestern [[Russia]] to northern [[France]]. | ||
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
| + | Islands, rocky shores and cliffs | ||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
| + | They nest in colonies and eggs are laid on bare rock. They swim underwater and forage for food. They eat sand eels, herring, some crustaceans and marine worms. | ||
==Bird Song== | ==Bird Song== | ||
<flashmp3>Alca torda (song).mp3</flashmp3><br /> | <flashmp3>Alca torda (song).mp3</flashmp3><br /> | ||
Revision as of 14:20, 20 September 2007
- Alca torda
Identification
38-43 cm in length, with a 60-69 cm wingspan. It is the only member of the genus Alca.
Adult birds have black upperparts and a white breast and belly. The bill is thick and black with a blunt end. The tail is pointed and long. In winter, the black face becomes white.
Distribution
Northern Atlantic coasts, in eastern North America as far south as Maine, and in western Europe from northwestern Russia to northern France.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Islands, rocky shores and cliffs
Behaviour
They nest in colonies and eggs are laid on bare rock. They swim underwater and forage for food. They eat sand eels, herring, some crustaceans and marine worms.
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Alca torda (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
