tags: Razorbill, Alca torda, birds, mystery bird, bird ID quiz
[Mystery birds] Razorbill, Alca torda, photographed at the Machias Seal Island, Maine. [I will identify these birds for you in 48 hours]
Please name at least one field mark that supports your identification.
These stunning birds are the only member of their genus -- can you identify it? As a bonus question, can you tell me about one of its famous relatives?
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Field marks: Very SHARP bill. Big vertically, but not as big as a puffin's, and black with white markings. Looks almost penguiny in some ways (how it stands, the tuxedo look), only not.
I have never seen this bird before. Very lovely and I look forward to its identification. Must plan a trip to Maine SOON.
As a "beardie" I never have to pay these birds! Which is great!!
'Sharp' appears to be the key word here.
Oh, also, it's related to a well-known, recently extinct (as in the past few centuries) bird.
It's relative happens to be the original 'penguin'.
It's the Zorro Bird. Identifying marks: the mask, the sharpness, and the almost supernatural fitness which means it's never out of breath (if it was it would be puffin').
Do we post what it is here or e-mail it somewhere?
Its a Razor billed Auk. Its easy to tell by the shape of the beak and the white stripe through its face.
Its a relative of the Great Auk, which is now extinct. (and was a character in the original Alice in Wonderland book if I'm not mistaken)
The bill shape, head shape, posture, and overall appearance put it in the Alcidae or auk-type birds. The beak markings are pretty distinctive...I guess from a distance you could also think thick-billed Murre, but it has a shorter, thicker beak, and those fantastic stripes.
Gorgeous shot!
The most famous relative to me is the Great Auk, as immortalized in a great story as told by Jay O'Callahan, but if you're not into live storytelling you might be thinking of more ecological histories...
The bill shape, head shape, posture, and overall appearance put it in the Alcidae or auk-type birds. The beak markings are pretty distinctive...I guess from a distance you could also think thick-billed Murre, but it has a shorter, thicker beak, and those fantastic stripes.
Gorgeous shot!
The most famous relative to me is the Great Auk, as immortalized in a great story as told by Jay O'Callahan, but if you're not into live storytelling you might be thinking of more ecological histories...
Jana, you're totally right about the great shot! I love that one looks almost laughing. The white trim at the edge of the wing is just cool. I need to learn more bird families.
Bob O'H, you cracked me up.
Amber, good job :)
Adrian, it's sad that it took me a while to get yours!
Sorry Bardiac. Email me your address and I'll send you some glue and plasters.