Black Guillemot
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0

Auks, Puffins, and Murres

Black Guillemot

Cepphus grylle

LCLeast Concern
Family
Auks, Puffins, and Murres (Alcidae)
Order
Charadriiformes

Overview

The black guillemot or tystie (Cepphus grylle) is a medium-sized seabird of the Alcidae family, native throughout northern Atlantic coasts and eastern North American coasts. It is resident in much of its range, but large populations from the high arctic migrate southwards in winter. The bird can be seen in and around its breeding habitat of rocky shores, cliffs and islands in single or smalls groups of pairs. They feed mainly by diving towards the sea floor feeding on fish, crustaceans or other benthic invertebrates.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.