Razorbill
Alca torda
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Razorbill is the North Atlantic auk most likely to be seen from the Sefton Coast in winter. It's a stocky, black-and-white seabird with a distinctive heavy, blunt bill crossed by a white line. They fly fast and low on whirring wings, often in small groups. They breed on sea cliffs in northwest Britain and Ireland, dispersing offshore in winter. The Sefton Coast beach is a good vantage point for scanning offshore for auks.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Habitat | Open sea · Offshore coastal water |
| Diet | Fish — pursues fish underwater using wings for propulsion |
| UK population | Around 130,000 pairs; amber-listed |
| Sefton Coast | Regular offshore in winter; occasional singles and small groups from the beach |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Offshore from Formby Point and Ainsdale beach. Flies low and fast on whirring wings.
Identification
Stocky auk. Black above, white below. Heavy blunt bill with white cross-line — distinctive. Short tail, often held cocked. Fast whirring flight low over water. In flight, white trailing edge on inner wing.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Scan from Formby Point in December–February. Auks fly fast and low — look for small groups of black-and-white birds flying just above the waves.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Razorbills 'fly' underwater?
Razorbills and other auks use their wings to 'fly' underwater — the same wing motion as aerial flight, but adapted for a denser medium. Their wings are a compromise between aquatic and aerial needs (the extinct Great Auk, flightless, had perfected the aquatic wing). Razorbills can dive to depths of 120 metres.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.