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 Razorbill
(Alca torda) Length 38cm. Nests in cliff colonies
(though not as large as Guillemot's). Lays single egg
under boulders. does not require steep cliff face like
Guillemot. Outside breeding season lives far out at
sea. Bill deep flattened sideways, is held raised as
is the fairly long, pointed tail when Razorbill swims.
Thicker and shorter neck than Guillemot. Distinguished
from southern race of latter at long range by fact that
head and back are jet-black, not brownish. Underwing-coverts
pure white. Razorbill differs from N Atlantic dark-backed
Guillemots in having more white on sides of rump: white
hind area with black central line, actually like Longtailed
Duck (see fig). Also, holds head and tail higher, does
not look hunch-backed like the guillemots, feet concealed
by tail. Display flight startling: suddenly begins to
fly in relatively slow motion. Call a grunting, jarring
'urrr', melancholy in tone. RS
 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.
Buy
in UK---------------------Buy
in US
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