Species BirdsRazorbill

Razorbill

Alca torda

UncommonBird
Illustration of Razorbill (Alca torda)

The Razorbill is a stocky, distinctive alcid with a heavy, blunt black bill crossed by a white line and is the closest living relative of the extinct Great Auk. It breeds on rocky North Atlantic islands and winters at sea. The upright posture and deep bill give it a pugnacious appearance.

Habitat
Rocky North Atlantic coasts when breeding; open ocean in winter
Diet
Small fish, especially sand lance
How common
Uncommon

Recent Razorbill sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Razorbill? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More birds

Acorn Woodpecker
Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus
American Avocet
American Avocet
Recurvirostra americana
American Bittern
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
American Black Duck
American Black Duck
Anas rubripes
American Coot
American Coot
Fulica americana
American Crow
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
American Flamingo
American Flamingo
Phoenicopterus ruber
American Golden-Plover
American Golden-Plover
Pluvialis dominica