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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Razorbill

Alca torda ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: ALCIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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A large auk of the northern Atlantic Ocean, the Razorbill can be found offshore in winter as far south as New Jersey, and occasionally Virginia.

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Appearance

Gull-like
Gull-like
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized waterbird.
  • Black back and head, white underside.
  • Stout, deep, round-tipped bill.
  • Throat white in nonbreeding plumage, with some white on face.

Immature Description

Similar to nonbreeding adult, but with shorter, shallower bill without white lines or grooves.

Range Map Help

Razorbill Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult breeding
    Zoom In

    Razorbill

    Adult breeding
    • © Marie Read
  • Adult nonbreeding
    Zoom In

    Razorbill

    Adult nonbreeding
    • © Kevin T. Karlson

Similar Species

  • Common and Thick-billed murres very similar from a distance, but they are more slender, with thinner, more pointed bills, and do not cock their tails up into the air.