Guillemot
Uria aalge
Length 42cm

A common auk among larger seabird colonies. Where cliff ledges are suitable, hundreds or even thousands of birds sometimes stand side-by-side. Only visits land during breeding season, from May to August, thereafter being found at sea, sometimes in comparatively inshore waters. In summer, can be recognised by chocolate-brown head and upperparts (darker in northern birds than southern ones) and white underparts; bill dagger-like and straight. Some birds show white 'spectacle' around eye. In winter, has white cheeks marked by dark line from eye. Lays single, pear-shaped egg, sometimes on narrowest of ledges. Tiny youngster flings itself into sea to join parents long before it is fully fledged. Breeding colonies mainly N and W Britain and Ireland. Easy to see at Elegug Stacks, Pembrokeshire, St Abb's Head and on Farne Islands.