- Cepphus columba
Identification
Length 33-35cm (13-14in). A mostly black bird with a prominent white wing patch bisected by a black bar or wedge. The webbed feet and legs are bright reddish-orange. The body is tapered for underwater swimming prowness, and terminates in a long, thin, black bill. In flight, the wings and axillars can be seen to be dusky gray.
Winter birds are white underneath and mottled gray above.
Distribution
Pacific coast of North America from Alaska to California. (see Taxonomy section)
Taxonomy
Subspecies[1]
Five subspecies are recognized:
- C. c. columba:
- C. c. snowi:
- Kuril Island
- C. c. kairuka:
- Komandorskiye Island to west-central Aleutians
- C. c adiantus:
- Central Aleutians to Washington
- C. c. eureka:
Habitat
Rocky shores, cliffs and islands.
Behaviour
Swims underwater in pursuit of food using its wings. Gathers small fish near the ocean bottom.
Breeding
Nests are made in rocky cavities. The clutch consists of 2 eggs.
Diet
Includes fish and other aquatic animals.
References
- Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
- Wikipedia
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Pigeon Guillemot. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 10 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Pigeon_Guillemot