BLACK GUILLEMOT 



Una grylle 



Great Britain the principal breeding-stations of the 

 Black Guillemot are on the north and west coasts of 

 Scotland, including the Hebrides, the Orkneys, and 

 Shetlands. In England it has been recorded as breeding 

 sparingly on the Isle of Mull, and there are a few 

 colonies on the north coast of Ireland. It is occasionally 

 driven inland by severe storms. 



The Black Guillemot closely resembles the Common Guillemot and 

 Razorbill in its habits. It lives chiefly on the sea, only repairing to the 

 rocky coasts during the breeding-season. It is a gregarious bird, but is 

 never seen in large flocks like the Common Guillemot. From six to a dozen 

 birds are usually seen together, swimming about among the surf close to 

 the rocks, now and then diving after some small fish. It is not a shy bird, 

 and can be approached within a very short distance. On the water it sits 

 high, and swims lightly on the surface ; few birds can equal it in diving, and 

 it progresses with great speed under water, using its wings as well as in the 

 air. The water is never too rough for this dainty little bird, though at times 

 it seems as if it must be dashed to pieces on the rocks. Its flight is 

 straight and rapid, though its wings are so small and narrow, and strings of 

 these little birds may often be observed flying just above the water at a great 

 pace on their way to some favourite feeding-ground. 



The food of the Black Guillemot is chiefly composed of young saithe 

 and herring, which are abundant round the coast of Scotland, but small 

 crustaceans and tiny shellfish are also eaten. Most of its food is obtained 

 by diving, at which it is wonderfully expert. During the breeding-season 

 it does not wander far from home, but obtains most of its food in the 

 neighbourhood. The note of the Black Guillemot is seldom heard ; it is a 

 rather plaintive whistle, impossible to describe on paper. The young birds, 

 however, call incessantly, and their cry may be described as a shrill 'peep? 

 somewhat drawn out. 



The Black Guillemot is rather a late breeder, and eggs can seldom be 



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