Razorbill

The razorbill, also known as the lesser auk, is a seabird that thrives in the subarctic waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This bird, a close relative of the extinct great auk, belongs to the Alcidae family and is the sole species in the Alca genus.

Razorbills are easily recognizable by their striking black plumage contrasted with a white underside. They lead an aquatic lifestyle, only venturing onto land to breed. These birds are monogamous, with each pair producing a single egg per year. They typically nest along coastal cliffs, where both parents take turns incubating the egg and caring for the chick.

Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, razorbills face significant threats, notably the destruction of their breeding sites. There are two recognized subspecies of razorbills, with their primary breeding grounds located in Iceland and other parts of the North Atlantic. Their diet mainly includes fish, but they also consume crustaceans and polychaetes, diving deep into the ocean to catch their prey.

During the breeding season, razorbills engage in elaborate courtship rituals, and females enforce monogamy. Selecting a safe nesting site is crucial to protect against predators such as polar bears, gulls, falcons, and foxes. The chosen site is often reused year after year. The incubation period lasts about 35 days, and the chicks are semi-precocial, meaning they are somewhat mature and mobile at birth.

Conservation efforts for razorbills focus on protecting their breeding sites, reducing hunting pressures, and addressing threats like oil pollution and commercial fishing.

Interestingly, the Alca genus was more diverse in prehistoric times, with several now-extinct species. The genus likely evolved in the western North Atlantic or the Caribbean region. The razorbill's unique behaviors, striking appearance, and conservation needs make it a fascinating and important species to study and protect.