Birds diurnal

Black Guillemot

Cepphus grylle

The 'jewel of the coastline,' the Black Guillemot is a striking seabird famous for its tuxedo-like plumage and brilliant coral-red feet. Often found whistling among the rocky crags of the North Atlantic, they are a delight for any coastal observer.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 12-15 in (30-38 cm); Wingspan: 18-23 in (45-58 cm); Weight: 10.5-17.5 oz (300-500 g)

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Colors

Jet black body in summer with large white wing patches; winter plumage is mottled grey/white; legs and mouth interior are bright coral-red.

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Key Features

Distinctive large white oval wing patches
Vivid coral-red feet and legs
Straight, slender black bill
Piercing high-pitched whistling call

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-10 AM and 4-8 PM

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Season May-August (Breeding season provides the most consistent activity)

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Diet Specializes in bottom-dwelling prey including blennies, butterfish (rock eels), and various crustaceans and mollusks caught during shallow dives.

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Habitat Rocky coastlines, offshore islands, and harbor stone walls with accessible crevices for nesting.

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Behavior

Black Guillemots, often affectionately called 'tysties,' are more individualistic than their cliff-nesting cousins. While many seabirds nest in massive, crowded colonies, these birds prefer the privacy of rocky crevices and boulder fields, often nesting in pairs or small, loose groups. They are remarkably agile underwater, using their wings to 'fly' through the depths as they hunt for bottom-dwelling fish.

Socially, they are known for their elaborate greeting displays and high-pitched whistling calls, which can be heard echoing across coastal rocks during the spring. They are generally resident birds, staying near their breeding grounds year-round unless heavy sea ice forces them further south. Unlike many auks that stay far out at sea, Black Guillemots are frequently seen close to the shoreline, making them a favorite for coastal wildlife watchers.

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Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of Black Guillemots, focus your camera on 'social rocks'—flat, seaweed-covered boulders near the water's edge where the birds gather to sun themselves and display. Unlike many birds, they have a predictable routine, returning to the same rocks daily. Position your camera low to the ground, roughly 12 to 18 inches high, to capture their striking red feet and the 'gape' display where they show off the bright red interior of their mouths.

If you live on a coastal property, look for narrow crevices in rock walls or under piers. These are prime nesting sites. Mount your camera about 3-5 feet away from a suspected nest entrance, angling it slightly upward if the hole is in a vertical wall. Use a camera with a fast trigger speed or high-frame-rate video settings (60fps or higher), as their take-offs and landings are incredibly quick and can easily blur on slower sensors.

Lighting is your biggest challenge and your greatest asset. Their jet-black summer plumage can easily lose detail in harsh midday sun, resulting in a 'black blob' on camera. Set your camera to capture during the 'golden hours' of dawn and dusk. The soft light will highlight the texture of their feathers and make those white wing patches pop. If your camera allows for exposure compensation, underexpose slightly (-0.3 or -0.7) to prevent the white wing patches from being 'blown out' or overexposed.

Finally, utilize the audio capabilities of your AI camera. The Black Guillemot has a unique, high-pitched whistle that is very different from other seabirds. A camera with a high-quality external microphone or shielded internal mic can capture these vocalizations, which are often the best indicator that the birds are nearby even if they aren't currently in the frame. Since they are sensitive to movement, a well-camouflaged, stationary trail camera is far more effective than trying to approach them with a handheld device.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Black Guillemot.

Pigeon Guillemot

Found on the Pacific coast; its white wing patch is broken by a black wedge of feathers.

Razorbill

Much larger with a thick, blunt beak marked by a white vertical line; lacks the large white wing patches.

Common Murre

Taller and more upright with a thin, pointed bill and no white wing patches; usually found in massive colonies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black Guillemots are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. They spend the middle of the day foraging at sea but return to coastal rocks and nest sites during these peak periods to socialize and feed their young.

You cannot easily attract them with food, as they hunt live fish. However, if you have a coastal property, providing undisturbed rocky crevices or even installing specialized nest boxes (stone or wooden 'apartments' near the shoreline) can encourage them to nest.

Their diet consists almost entirely of small fish and invertebrates found on the sea floor. They are particularly fond of 'rock eels' (butterfish) and blennies, which they catch by diving in relatively shallow coastal waters.

They are only found in coastal suburban areas with rocky shorelines. You won't find them inland, but they are surprisingly common in northern harbor towns, often nesting in the gaps of old stone piers and breakwaters.

The easiest way is geography; Black Guillemots are in the Atlantic, while Pigeon Guillemots are in the Pacific. Visually, Black Guillemots have a solid white wing patch, whereas Pigeon Guillemots have a black 'wedge' cutting into that white patch.

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