Black Guillemot vs Brünnich's Guillemot

In short

The Black Guillemot and Brünnich's Guillemot are both members of the Alcidae family, but they can be distinguished by their plumage and habitat preferences. The Black Guillemot is known for its distinctive white wing patches and scarlet legs, while Brünnich's Guillemot has a more uniform dark plumage. Both species are found in northern regions, but the Black Guillemot prefers inshore waters, whereas Brünnich's Guillemot is more oceanic.

Identification tips

1. Look for white wing patches and scarlet legs to identify the Black Guillemot. 2. Note the more uniform dark plumage of Brünnich's Guillemot. 3. Consider habitat: Black Guillemots are more likely near shorelines, while Brünnich's Guillemots are found further out at sea.

Size

Brünnich's Guillemot is generally larger and bulkier than the Black Guillemot.

Plumage

The Black Guillemot has white wing patches and scarlet legs, making it distinctive. In contrast, Brünnich's Guillemot has a more uniform dark plumage with a white underbelly and lacks the bright leg coloration.

Behaviour

Both species are diving birds, but the Black Guillemot often stays closer to shore, while Brünnich's Guillemot is more frequently found in open ocean environments.

Habitat

Black Guillemots prefer inshore waters and are often seen near ice edges in the Arctic. Brünnich's Guillemots are more oceanic, often found in deeper waters and along ice edges.