A seabird of northern rocky coasts that catches fish and other prey; its plumage changes with the season.
In summer it has a black body, large white wing patches, and red legs. In winter the upperparts become mottled black and white.
Black Guillemots from Røst and Sklinna in Norway travel different distances in winter. Røst birds averaged 283 km and reached 1,008 km, while Sklinna birds stayed closer, averaging 97 km and reaching 118 km.
Birds from both colonies wintered along coasts with small islands and kelp forests, and foraged during twilight. Røst birds travelled farther south. Individuals tracked over several years tended to use similar wintering areas again. Three Røst birds stayed near their colony for most of the year; wintering areas included shallow seas, many islets and kelp forests. During short December days, birds wintering farther north spent more twilight time at sea.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.
Birds from both colonies spent winter along coasts with small islands and kelp forests. Kelp forests are used year-round and are important habitat for Black Guillemots in Norway.