Author: Matt Davis

Razorbill(Alca torda)

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The Razorbill(Alca torda), also known as the Razor-Billed Auk, or Lesser Auk is a seabird that is classified in the Auk(Alcidae) family 

Physical Characteristics

Breeding adults are black on their backs, and their torso and belly are white. They have a white line on their bill, and there is a white band around the front of the bill. In the nonbreeding season an adult Razorbill’s throat is white.

Length43 cm(1’5″)
Wingspan63-68 cm(2’1″-2’3″)
Weight505-890 gm(1-1.96 lbs.)

Range

In North America the Razorbill can be found in; Atlantic Canada,  Quebec, Ontario, Nunavut,  New Jersey, New York,  and … Continue

Tufted Puffin(Fratercula cirrhata)

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The Tufted Puffin(Fratercula cirrhata), also known as the Crested Puffin is a seabird that is classified in the auk(Alcidae) family. The Tufted Puffin can reach lengths up to 40 cm(1’4”) and weights up to 1 kg(2 lbs); This makes the Tufted Puffin the largest species of puffin. 

Physical Characteristics

During the breeding season the Tufted Puffin has a black body, a white face, a orange and yellow bill, red rimmed eyes, and two yellow plumes  hanging out of the back of its head. During the nonbreeding season Tufted Puffins’ faces turn gray, their bills  turn orange and … Continue

Charadriiformes

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Charadriiformes are an order of birds that consists of 19 families, including; Alcidae(auks, murres, and puffins), Laridae(gulls, terns, and skimmers), and Scolopacidae(sandpipers and allies).

Physical Characteristics

This order is a varied collection of birds linked by similarities in bodily features; including their skeletons, plumage, and developmental patterns. 

A Ring-Billed Gull(Larus delawarensis) standing in water; St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Distribution and Habitat

This order is worldwide in distribution, and are found in almost every terrestrial habitat on earth, and many also occur in marine habitats.

Diet

The birds of the order Charadriiformes eat: snails, mussels, oysters, marine worms, … Continue