Razorbill

  • Flying surviving cousin of the Great Auk
  • Stark black and white plumage – a tuxedoed elegance
  • Newfoundland name is Tinker or Thinker
  • Begin breeding at 4 – 5 years of age
  • Lays a single egg
  • Raises young in crevice
  • Often shot in winter murre hunt
  • Populations are increasing in eastern Canada
  • Often feed on bottom dwelling fishes like blennies (see below)
  • Can carry multiple fish in the bill like a puffin
  • Chicks depart colony at 2 to 3+ weeks of age
  • Chicks go to sea with the male parent