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Pigeon Guillemot
last update: Mar 04, 2009 03:17 PM
Latin name: Cepphus columba
Population: 235,000
Cites classified: Least Concern
Where found: 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.
Age/ life expectancy: 14-20 years
Wingspan: 55-59 cm
Length: 30-35 cm
Weight: 450-550 g
Mating/Breeding: Lively duet flights and water games begin the courtship. Nesting occurs as isolated pairs or small colonies scattered along the coastline. One or two eggs are laid in natural cavities chosen by the male. If there are no natural cavities available, some birds will dig a burrow while others will chose to nest in artificial structures. Both parents will incubate the eggs for about 4 weeks. Both parents feed the young until they leave the nest 4-6 weeks after hatching.
Eggs: Pale cream, may be tinged green or bluish, with large and small dark blotches, often concentrated in ring around the large end
Hibernation: Winter range is slightly more restricted than the breeding range. Exposed coastlines appear to be deserted in favor of more sheltered inshore waters and birds from the Bering Sea colonies withdraw south to just beyond the ice-edge.
Hunting Habits: surface diving and swimming
Feed on: small fish, squid, crustaceans, and mollusks
Predators: Foxes, river otters, and mink threaten eggs and chicks; bald eagles prey on adults on the water; ravens, crows, and magpies take unattended eggs or chicks
Colour/Body: Breeding adults are a sleek black, with white wing patches and brilliant red feet that match the lining of the mouth. Winter plumage is a startling change to a mostly white head and belly and dark gray back.
Interesting Trivia:
- The Pigeon Guillemot feeds in shallower waters than most auks, puffins, or murrelets. Although it is known to dive to depths greater than 45 meters (148 feet), it feeds best in waters of only 10 to 20 meters (33-66 feet) deep.
- The Pigeon Guillemot often scales vertical rock faces by some vigorous flapping of its wings combined with the use of the sharp claws on its webbed feet.
