Auks
Cepphus is a genus of seabirds in the auk family.
Description
These medium-sized guillemots have white wing patches, the third has white facial “spectacles”. They have thin dark bills and red legs and feet.
Breeding plumage:
Mostly black plumage
Winter plumage:
Much paler, mottled above and white below.
Distribution / Range
The occur on rocky shores and islands on the coasts of the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
They typically lay their eggs in rocky sites near water.
Diet / Feeding
They mainly feed on fish and crustaceans, also some mollusks, insects and plant material.
They dive for food from the surface or swim underwater.
The species are:
- Black Guillemot or Tystie, Cepphus grylle
- Pigeon Guillemot, Cepphus columba
- Spectacled Guillemot, Cepphus carbo
Please Note: The articles or images on this page are the sole property of the authors or photographers. Please contact them directly with respect to any copyright or licensing questions. Thank you.
BeautyOfBirds strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please send us an e-mail. THANK YOU!