Snapshot – Razorbill

Razorbills are alcids that reside primarily around the Canadian Maritimes and Gulf of Saint Lawrence. They live at sea except for the short time when they nest in cliffs along the shore. We often see them here in New England just off our shores during the winter as they follow their prey fish. They can dive as far as 300 feet and grab small fish on their way back to the surface. They usually swallow the fish before surfacing so they don’t lose them to gulls who often wait to pirate the catches of diving birds.