How to identify the Pigeon Guillemot

To correctly identify the Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

30-37 cm (12-15 in)

Wingspan

52-58 cm (20-23 in)

Weight

450-550 g (16-19 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Breeding adults are entirely sooty black with a large, oval white patch on each wing, bisected by a thin black line (visible on the underside of the wing). Non-breeding adults and juveniles are mottled gray and white, with the white wing patch still visible but less distinct.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Slender, pointed, and black. The inside of the mouth is bright red, visible when the bird calls or yawns.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown, often appearing black.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Vivid red in breeding adults, duller orange-red in non-breeding adults and juveniles.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of all-black breeding plumage (except for the white wing patch), bright red legs, and red mouth lining is diagnostic. In flight, the white wing patches are very conspicuous.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults, with mottled gray and white plumage. Their legs are duller orange-red, and the white wing patch is present but often smudged with gray.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Breeding plumage (sooty black with white wing patches, bright red legs) is worn from spring through late summer. Non-breeding plumage (mottled gray and white, duller legs) is seen from late fall through winter. The white wing patch remains visible in all plumages.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are outwardly similar in plumage and size.

Key field marks

• Breeding Plumage. Look for the entirely sooty black body with a prominent, oval white patch on the upperwing, often with a thin black line through it. Bright red legs and a red mouth lining are key.
• Non-breeding/Juvenile Plumage. Mottled gray and white body, but still retain the white wing patch (though it may be smudged). Legs are duller orange-red. Often seen on the water.
• Flight. Fast, direct flight low over the water with rapid wingbeats. The white wing patches are very obvious against the dark body.
• Behavior. Often seen diving from the surface, disappearing for extended periods. They frequently perch on rocks or cliffs near the water.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their distinctive high-pitched whistles, trills, and squeals, especially near breeding colonies.

Explore the Pigeon Guillemot