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 Black
Guillemot Cepphus grylle Length 33cm. Nests quite commonly
in isolated pairs or small groups under boulders on
rocky coasts. Less tied to the sea than other auks,
lives all year round nearer shore. In summer dress unmistakable
with its black plumage with large, oval white wing panels.
In flight has certain passing resemblance to male Velvet
Scoter, but there should be no confusion even at very
long range: Black Guillemot always looks quite different
with its short, fusiform body, hunched attitude and
rapidly whirring wingbeats. Lacquered-red feet glisten.
Always buzzes along low over the water. In winter plumage
sparkling white, though white wing panel still dark-framed.
Juvenile is more grey-mottled, including scattering
of grey even in wing panel (see fig), on some individuals
considerable. One-year-old birds may look all-black
(body feathers moulted, wing panels not; see fig). During
the mating period Black Guillemots sit in groups and
utter Rock Pipit-like 'seep-seep-seep- . . .' calls
and drawnout, thin but far-carrying 'electronic' peeps,
at which time they open their bills wide (inside of
mouth red). Also raise their wings and show the white
wing panel. R
 An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
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