Pigeon Guillemot

The Pigeon Guillemot occupies rocky Pacific coastlines much as the Black Guillemot does in the Atlantic, sharing a similar overall black plumage and bright red legs. The two species are readily told apart by the pattern of the white wing patch, which in this species is interrupted by a dark bar or wedge.

• Breeding-plumage body feathers are sooty black overall, closely matching the Black Guillemot's pattern
• The white patch on the upperwing coverts is typically crossed by a dark brownish-black bar or wedge, distinguishing shed wing feathers from the unbroken white patch of the Black Guillemot
• Non-breeding plumage becomes largely white with dark barring on the back, similar to the seasonal change seen in the Black Guillemot
• Flight feathers are broad and rounded, suited to short flights between rocky perches and nearshore water
• Tail feathers are short and squared, typical of the smaller auks

• Breeding adults are almost entirely sooty black except for the white wing patch interrupted by a dark bar
• Non-breeding adults become largely white below and on the head, with dark barring and mottling across the back, retaining the marked wing patch
• Juveniles resemble winter adults but with more diffuse markings
• Sexes are alike in plumage
• A complete molt after breeding produces the barred winter plumage, followed by a return molt before the next breeding season

Pigeon Guillemots inhabit rocky shorelines, sea cliffs, and inshore waters along the North Pacific coast, from California north through Alaska and west into the Russian Far East, nesting in rock crevices, burrows, or under debris near the shoreline. They generally remain in nearshore waters relatively close to their breeding areas rather than ranging far offshore.

This guillemot dives in shallow coastal waters to take small fish and invertebrates from the seafloor and among rocks, similar in habit to its Atlantic relative. It nests singly or in small loose groups in crevices or burrows along the shoreline, laying one or two eggs. Its call is a high, thin whistling note given around nesting areas.