Razorbill

Alca torda

The razorbill is a medium-sized seabird. It is black above and white below.

It has a thick black beak which is deep and blunt, unlike the thinner bill of the similar guillemot. It breeds around the coast of the UK, with the largest colonies in northern Scotland. There are none breeding between the Humber and the Isle of Wight. Birds only come to shore to breed, and winter in the northern Atlantic. The future of this species is linked to the health of the marine environment. Fishing nets, pollution and declining fish stocks all threaten the razorbill.

How to be responsible when watching wildlife >

Discover more about the Razorbill

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Guillemot Puffin

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Although they can be seen all year round, during breeding season, they are better seen around the North coast of Scotland, on cliffs.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

The coasts of Sutherland and Aberdeenshire are good viewing spots of breeding Razorbills

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

It has the largest colonies of any of our seabirds. 

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Guillemot Puffin

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Although they can be seen all year round, during breeding season, they are better seen around the North coast of Scotland, on cliffs.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

The coasts of Sutherland and Aberdeenshire are good viewing spots of breeding Razorbills

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

It has the largest colonies of any of our seabirds. 

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Guillemot Puffin

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Although they can be seen all year round, during breeding season, they are better seen around the North coast of Scotland, on cliffs.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

The coasts of Sutherland and Aberdeenshire are good viewing spots of breeding Razorbills

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

It has the largest colonies of any of our seabirds. 

Book your opportunity to see this wildlife

Basking Shark Scotland

For 10 years Basking Shark Scotland has been leading the way offering eco-conscious wildlife adventure tours in the Hebrides and beyond. Our passio...
Read more >

Wilderness Scotland

Wilderness Scotland is an award-winning adventure travel and ecotourism company. We specialise in offering an inspiring range of guided, self-guide...
Read more >

St Hilda Sea Adventures

St Hilda Sea Adventures provides small ship cruising and wildlife holidays on the beautiful West Coast of Scotland.  Our cruises, among the breatht...
Read more >

Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is an award-winning wildlife tour company offering its guests opportunities to see the most charismatic and enigmatic species in Sco...
Read more >

Days in the Wild

Whether you want to see otters in the wild or photograph a kingfisher dive, we are here to help.  We help you find the best of the wildlife and if...
Read more >

SeatrekScotland

SeatrekScotland provides snorkelling, coasteering, seatrekking, wild swimming and coastal walking experiences.  Lochaber's coastline is brimming wi...
Read more >

Hebrides Cruises

Witness the rare wildlife and stunning scenery of the west coast of Scotland, the Hebrides and St Kilda aboard our specialist wildlife cruises, wit...
Read more >

Orcadian Wildlife

Why tour Orkney with us? We pride ourselves on the attention given to you, our guests, in blending Orkney’s wildlife and culture. We live here, and...
Read more >

Hrossey Wanderer

Welcome, Wanderer   Nestled amidst the rugged coastlines and windswept moors of the Orkney Islands lies a wild world waiting to be discovered. Welc...
Read more >

Scottish Seabird Centre

Get closer to nature and enjoy a great day out at the seaside at the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, just 35 minutes from Edinburgh.   The...
Read more >

Misty Isle Boat Trips

Welcome to Misty Isle Boat Trips. We are a family-run business running boat trips from Elgol on the Isle of Skye to the famous Loch Coruisk in the...
Read more >

Stravaigin Sailing

We are a small family-run business located on Scotland’s west coast in the heart of the best cruising and adventure arena our country has to offer....
Read more >

Seafari Adventures (Oban) Ltd.

Seafari Adventures are a 5* Visit Scotland marine wildlife tour operator. Based in the conservation area of Easdale, 16 miles south of Oban we have...
Read more >

Islay Sea Adventures

Islay Sea Adventures offers a unique way to explore Islay through our wide variety of trips. • Wildlife and Sight-Seeing • Fishing • Luxury Day Tri...
Read more >