Scientific name: Cepphus grylle (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bird group: Auks
Field characters. 31 cm. Smaller than Guillemot but similar in shape. In summer plumage completely black, except for large white wing patches. Winter plumage very different: upperparts dark grey, mottled white, head and neck even lighter, and underparts completely white; dark eye patch; wings have same colours and pattern as in summer. In all plumages legs bright red. Juvenile like adult in winter, but white wing patches obscured with dark feather lines and legs pink. In flight, underwings are obviously white. Flight is fast with whirring wing beats, low above the water, like other auks.
Voice. A shrill whistling 'peeee', only heard in breeding season.
Distribution. Widespread in north, but never numerous.
Habitat. Always near shores with boulders, not necessarily near steep cliffs.
Food. Fish and crustaceans.