Razorbill

ocean · diving bird · North Atlantic · auks

Razor-sharp beak. The razorbill gets its name from its incredibly thin, blade-like black beak that looks almost like a razor. This special beak helps it grip slippery fish underwater.

Deep ocean diver. Razorbills are amazing swimmers that dive down deep into cold Atlantic waters to hunt for small fish and other sea creatures. They use their wings to paddle underwater like penguins do.

Lives in colonies. Razorbills don't live alone but gather in large groups on rocky cliffs and islands, where they build nests and raise their babies together. Thousands of them might live in the same area.

Cousin of the great auk. The razorbill's closest relative is the extinct great auk, a larger bird that people hunted so much it disappeared forever. Today, the razorbill is the only living member of its genus.

Black and white plumage. Razorbills have sleek black feathers on top and white bellies, which helps them blend in with ocean waters and rocky islands. They also have a distinctive white line on their face.