Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Razorbill Latin Name: Alca torda Class: Birds Order:    Charadriiformes Description A medium-sized waterbird, the razorbill has white underparts and a black head, neck, back and feet during breeding season. A thin white line also extends from the eyes to the end of the bill. During nonbreeding season, the throat and face behind the eye become white, and the white line on the face becomes less prominent.

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Range
North Atlantic Ocean

Status
Common

Habitat
Cliffs and offshore islands

Niche
The razorbill feeds primarily on fish, which it catches by diving into the waters of its north Atlantic habitat.

Life History
Male and female courtship displays include touching bills and following one another in elaborate flight patterns. The species lays its eggs on bare rock, and both parents cooperate in rearing young. Parents can bring up to 20 fish back to the nest at one time to feed chicks

Special Adaptations

• The razorbill’s wings are adapted to “flying” underwater as well as above it, enabling it to chase prey beneath the surface.