Razorbill

The razorbill (Alca torda) is a seabird that breeds on rocky cliffs and offshore islands across the North Atlantic. It belongs to the auk family and is closely related to puffins and murres. Its black upperparts, white underparts and thick black bill crossed by a thin white line make it easy to recognize during the breeding season.

Although it spends little time on land, it is well adapted to life at sea. Its compact body, waterproof feathers and layer of insulating fat help it remain warm in cold northern waters. The razorbill flies with rapid wingbeats and swims powerfully beneath the surface, using its wings like flippers to chase prey. Outside the breeding season, it often lives far from the coast, resting and feeding on the open ocean.

Small schooling fish such as sand eels, herring and capelin make up most of the razorbill's diet, although it also catches crustaceans and other marine animals when available. It usually dives to depths of several tens of meters and relies on its eyesight to hunt underwater. Unlike many seabirds, it lays only one egg directly on a narrow rock ledge without building a nest.

Both parents take turns incubating the egg and caring for the chick. Before the young bird can fly, it leaves the cliff by jumping into the sea alongside its father, which continues feeding and protecting it for several weeks. Today, razorbill populations are affected by climate change, pollution, oil spills and changes in the availability of prey.