July 19, 2015 - Razorbills

The Razorbill is another species of bird that nests on Machias Seal Island off the coast of Maine. It’s a crow-sized bird with black and white plumage; males and females look alike. The oldest known Razorbill lived to the age of 41.

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In North America, Razorbills nest on rocky islands along the Atlantic Coast. Maine is at the southern end of their breeding range. In winter, they move out onto the open ocean but tend to stay along the coast in ice-free water.

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Here’s a close-up view of a Razorbill showing the bright golden lining of its mouth. Other distinguishing features include the thin white line from the bill to the eye, the thin white vertical stripe on the bill, and several grooves in the bill. The hooked tip of the bill is helpful in capturing and holding the small fish that make up a large portion of its diet.

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Razorbill wings are longer and more pointed than those of Puffins.

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Razorbills are quite capable fliers and are fairly acrobatic in the air. Notice the metal band on the leg of this bird.

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Like Puffins, Razorbills use their wings to propel themselves through the water. Some of the fish species they eat are Herring, Sandlance, and Capelin.

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Most Razorbills start breeding at 4 or 5 years of age. Once a pair has established a nest site and successfully raised a chick, they tend to stay together and return to the same nest site in subsequent years. I saw a lot of Razorbills preening each other. I’m sure the preening has a practical purpose, but it also seems to be a courting gesture.

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At Machias Seal Island, Razorbills begin laying eggs in mid-May. Only one egg is laid and the chick is fed by both parents. The chick leaves the nest 18 to 20 days after hatching. It follows the adult male out to sea. This is fairly unusual because it is not yet fully grown; it is only 25% to 30% as big as an adult. At first, the adult feeds the chick, but within a month the chick can feed itself.

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