Razorbill vs Ancient Murrelet
Alca torda compared with Synthliboramphus antiquus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Razorbill | Ancient Murrelet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Alca torda | Synthliboramphus antiquus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae | Alcidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.9 cm (16.5 in) | 27.1 cm (10.7 in) |
| Weight | 646.6666666666666 g (22.81 oz) | 208.16666666666666 g (7.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Razorbill
Least Concern
Ancient Murrelet
About These Birds
Razorbill
Razorbill, 37–39 cm, is an Atlantic alcid with a deep, laterally compressed bill crossed by a white vertical bar. Breeds on Atlantic cliff colonies from Maine to Greenland and Iceland to Norway; winters at sea. Dives to over 100 m pursuing fish. Strongly monogamous; pairs reunite annually at colonies.
Ancient Murrelet
Ancient Murrelet, 24–27 cm, breeds in burrows on North Pacific islands from British Columbia to Japan. Black hood, grey back, white underparts with yellow bill. Nocturnal at colonies to avoid predators. Chicks lead-march to sea within days of hatching — abandoning the nest very early. Planktivore and piscivore.