The Pigeon Guillemot is a medium-sized, stocky seabird found along our rocky coastline, recognizable by its breeding plumage of solid black with white wing patches and striking red legs. Roughly 13–14 inches in size, they feed nearshore by diving and "flying" underwater to catch fish. Thin, straight black bill; long, thin neck; vivid red legs, feet, and mouth lining.
Nests in our rocky coastal area, islands, and cliffs, rarely far from shore, laying eggs in rocky crevices or under tree roots along cliffs. Monogamous pairs often return to the same breeding site for multiple years.
Guillemots eat small fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and marine worms. They are less adept at flying than other birds due to short, stubby wings
Male Pigeon Guillemots court females by marching in circles around them and showing off their bright red feet!
Photo by Susan Lambert
Photo by .Don Blohowiak
Photo by Sara Courtneidge
Pigeon Guillemot relies on
Sun
Water
Nutrients