The Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
An Irish Seabird
The black guillemot, or Cepphus grylle, is a member of the auk family, which includes puffins and razorbills. Found right around the Irish coast, the black guillemot is distinguished by its black and white plumage and red feet and is known in Irish as Foracha dhubh. The black guillemot is distinctive from the more common guillemot by its smaller size and by having white patches on its upper wings, as seen in these images, the common guillemot having a white breast and no white patches on the wings. The black guillemot will be found singly, in pairs or in small groups whereas the common guillemot is found in large colonies over entire cliffsides like in this scene from the Irish coast.
Territorial Behaviour
As territorial seabirds, it’s often possible to view them being aggressive with other species or with other black guillemots. For instance, a bird might try to install itself in another black guillemot’s nest among stones on a wall. After much circling, the rightful owner will return to chase off the interloper, and an acrobatic moment ensues, including tail-feather biting and the reveal of the black guillemot’s coral-red gape.
Photography in Ireland
Join me here in Ireland to photograph black guillemots, seascapes, landscapes, or street scenes.
