The razorbill (Alca torda) is a North Atlantic colonial seabird and the only extant member of the genus Alca of the family Alcidae, the auks. It is the closest living relative of the extinct great auk (Pinguinus impennis). [4] . Historically, it has also been known as "auk", [5] "razor-billed auk" [6] and "lesser auk". [7]

Auks, Murres, and Puffins (Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Alcidae) The striking black-and-white Razorbill nests in cliffside colonies overlooking the ocean, often among murres, fulmars, and kittiwakes. It uses its sharp, hatchet-shaped bill to catch fish underwater, sometimes diving to …

This stocky, thick-billed auk is found only in the North Atlantic. It nests on northern islands and coasts, often in the same colonies as murres; similar to the murres, it has a longer tail, often cocked up above the water when swimming. In winter it lives in flocks well offshore.

Razorbills spend most of their lives at sea in the open ocean, foraging in waters that are usually cold (below 59°F and typically colder), where small schooling fish are abundant. They generally forage well south of sea ice.

The razorbill (Alca torda) is a colonial seabird and the only extant member of the genus Alca of the family Alcidae, the auks. It is the closest living relative of the extinct Great auk. In 1918, the razorbill was protected in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Black-and-white seabird with a thick and blunt bill. Breeds in colonies on rocky islands; winters on the ocean. Black above and white below with thin white line in front of eye. In winter, white throat wraps up behind eye, but pattern is less crisp than on Common Murre.

Razorbills are named for their beak which resembles a cut-throat razor. Learn more about these brilliant birds by reading on below.

The Razorbill is a medium-sized seabird. It's black on top and white below, with a thick black beak that's deep and blunt, unlike the thinner bill of the similar Guillemot. It breeds around the coast of the UK, with the largest groups in northern Scotland. There are no breeding birds between the Humber and the Isle of Wight.

Razor Bill. A few birds of this species occasionally go as far south as New York during winter; but beyond that parallel I never met with one. From Boston eastward many are seen, and some breed on the Seal Islands off the entrance of the Bay of Fundy.

A thickset seabird with narrow wings, rather long tail, short neck, large head, and unique, thick, broad-tipped “razor” bill. Immatures have smaller bills than adults.