Pigeon Guillemot

Adult birds have black bodies with a white wing patch broken by a black wedge, a thin dark bill and red legs and feet. They are similar in appearance to the Black Guillemot but show dark wing linings in flight. In winter, the upper parts are mottled grey and black and the underparts are white. They walk well and habitually have an upright posture.

The Pigeon Guillemot is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

Year-round range of the Pigeon Guillemot in North America. The Pigeon Guillemot, a seabird endemic to the North Pacific, is one of three extant members of the genus Cepphus . Found along rocky coastlines between Alaska and California, this auk nests in burrows or in rock cavities, often on small islands that provide protection from predators; small colonies often form, although this bird does nest as isolated pairs. More

The Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba) is a medium-sized alcid endemic to the Pacific. They closely resemble the other members of the genus Cepphus, particularly the Black Guillemot, which is slightly smaller. Adult birds have black bodies with a white wing patch broken by a black wedge, a thin dark bill and red legs and feet. They are similar in appearance to the Black Guillemot but show dark wing linings in flight. More

Pigeon Guillemots often nest in loose colonies, though they are frequently found nesting singly. The male chooses the nesting site, preferring sandy bluffs and rocky cliffs, but sometimes chooses human-made structures such as wharfs and large open pipes. In crevices and small cavities, Pigeon Guillemots scrape into the soil and sand with their pointy beaks and sharp toes to form a small bed for their eggs. More

The Pigeon Guillemot, a North Pacific seabird, is one of only three existing members of the genus Cepphus. Found along rocky shores in small colonies or isolated pairs, this auk nests in burrows or under rocks, often on small islands that provide protection from predators. The bird’s striking red-orange legs and mouth lining play a role in courtship during breeding season. Pigeon Guillemots generally feed near shore, diving directly to the sea bed where they probe rocky recesses and vegetation with their bills for fish and invertebrates. More

Pigeon Guillemot: Breeds on coasts and islands from southern Alaska south to southern California; spends winters offshore. Listen to Call Voice Text "peeee" Interesting Facts * The Pigeon Guillemot often scales vertical rock faces by vigorous flapping of its wings combined with the use of the sharp claws on its webbed feet. More

A seabird of the northern Pacific, the Pigeon Guillemot is found along rocky coasts from Alaska to California. It spends more time close to shore than other members of the puffin family. More

Pigeon Guillemot at sea Their breeding habitat is rocky shores, cliffs and islands on northern often forming small loose colonies. They usually lay their eggs in rocky cavities near water, but will often nest in any available cavity including caves, disused burrows of other seabirds and even old bomb casings. Unlike many alcids, Pigeon Guillemots are diurnal and lay two eggs. More

Pigeon GuillemotPigeon Guillemots = Auks The Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba) is a medium-sized alcid endemic to the Pacific. Description They closely resemble the other members of the genus Cepphus, particularly the Black Guillemot, which is slightly smaller. More

Pigeon Guillemots are found along rocky shores and inshore waters along the Pacific coast from Alaska to California. During the breeding season, they can be found on rocky islands and mainland cliffs that are protected from predators, as well as on a variety of man-made structures. In the water, they are usually close to rocky shorelines where the water is 30-90 feet deep. More

of the pigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba) is fairly typical of the family. This species breeds on islands and coasts of the North Pacific, south... * description (in guillemot (bird)) ...to the British Isles, Maine, U.S., and the Bering Strait, usually remaining within sight of land and never forming large flocks. The similar pigeon guillemot (C. More

Pigeon guillemots nest in rocky crevices or sandy bluffs in late spring and summer. Nest sites occur on Smith, Sentinel, Flower, and Protection Islands. Nests can also be found in bluffs on the east side of Vashon, Fox, and Anderson Islands. Guillemots often seek the cover of overhanging soil and plants on high bluffs for nesting. Pigeon guillemots dig holes in cliffs for nest sites. They use their narrow beaks to pry out stones, and sharp toe nails to scrape. More

The Pigeon Guillemot lives year round along Puget Sound. A pigeon-sized water bird, the pigeon guillemot dives using its wings for paddles and its feet for rudders. Pigeon guillemots dive in shallow water for sculpins, sand lance, and smelt. They also feed in kelp beds and in waters near spits and jetties. Bluff Nester Pigeon guillemots nest in rocky crevices or sandy bluffs in late spring and summer. Nest sites occur on Smith, Sentinel, Flower, and Protection Islands. More

Although pigeon guillemots are widely distributed in the north Pacific region, they do not occur anywhere in large concentrations. An estimated 2,000 - 6,000 guillemots, representing 10- 15 percent of the spill area population died from acute oiling. Additionally, an increase in nest predation of pigeon guillemot chicks and incubating adult birds occurred in the Sound after the spill. More

The Pigeon Guillemot is found along rocky coasts from Alaska to California. Notes: These birds are the least social of the Alcids. They may nest in solitary or in very small colonies. They regularly lay two eggs each year at the same nesting time. Pigeon Guillemots are the only members of the Alcid family to so. More

Pigeon Guillemot at nest, West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA (Photo courtesy: Tom Grey) Common name: Pigeon Guillemot Latin name: Cepphus columba Family: Alcidae Length: 12-14" Wing span: 23" Weight: 1 lb (500 g) Habitat: Nests on sea cliffs Notes: More

A Pigeon Guillemot emerging from its nest (the hole in the cliff). Pigeon Guillemots range across the Northern Pacific from the Kuril Islands and the Kamchatka Peninsula in Siberia to coasts in western North America from Alaska to California. After the breeding season birds in Alaska migrate south to open waters, whereas some birds from California move north to the waters off British Columbia. Birds usually return to their natal colony to breed. More