scubaseason

Common Razorbill

Alca torda

Sighting evidence at Vestmanna Bird Cliffs, Faroe Islands

Razorbills nest on the narrowest ledges of the Vestmanna cliff faces and are supremely capable underwater swimmers, able to dive to 120 metres and remain submerged for over a minute in pursuit of small schooling fish. Unlike puffins, razorbills tend to hunt in coordinated groups that work together to concentrate prey, and divers who position themselves near the cliff face during active feeding periods may see dozens of birds in the water simultaneously. Their black and white plumage becomes brilliantly visible underwater when they dive through columns of sunlight penetrating from the surface.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Common Razorbill is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.