Razorbill

The razorbill (Alca torda) breeds in temperate, boreal and low-arctic coastal regions of the North Atlantic. It nests in rock crevices or behind stones making it extremely difficult to census.
RazorbillRazorbill. Photo: Hallvard Strøm / Norwegian Polar Institute
Razorbill in other languages
Razorbill in other languages
Latin Alca torda
Norwegian Alke
German Tordalk
French Petit pingouin

The total breeding population is estimated to be about 100 pairs, the majority of which breed on Bjørnøya. Razorbills from Svalbard most likely winter off southwestern Norway and in the Skagerrak.

Distribution

The razorbill breeds in temperate, boreal and low-arctic coastal regions of the North Atlantic. It nests in rock crevices or behind stones making it extremely difficult to census. Bjørnøya, Bellsund and Krossfjorden are the only known breeding sites for razorbills in Svalbard. In these areas, the breed in very small numbers as single pairs or in small colonies. The total breeding population is estimated to be about 100 pairs, the majority of which breed on Bjørnøya. Little is know about the breeding biology of razorbills in Svalbard. Razorbills from Svalbard most likely winter off southwestern Norway and in the Skagerrak.

Ecology

The razorbill usually breeds in association with other sea birds, such as the Brünnich´s guillemot and black-legged kittiwake.

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