Alaska Species Explorer

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Pigeon Guillemots

Common Name: Pigeon Guillemots
Scientific Name: Cepphus columba
Distribution:

Five distinct subspecies are recognized; three occur in Alaska and all but one occurs in North America. Cepphus columba columba breeds from Kamchatka to the Bering Strait, C. c. kaiurka is found on the west-central Aleutian and Commander Islands, and C. c. adianta breeds from the central Aleutian Islands to Washington State.

Conservation Status:

The estimated world population is about 235,000 and at least 50% breed in Alaska.  Population trends are difficult to track unless a significant event such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurs. Efforts to better understand the population include more systematic surveys, minimize impacts of gillnet fisheries, and reduce disturbances at colonies.

Average Wingspan: 18 inches
Average Weight: 450 grams
Plumage Description:

During the summer breeding season, adults have dark bodies and white wing patches crossed by a small black wedge; their feet are red, as is the mouth lining within their pointed dark bill.  In the winter, the birds lighten and become salt and pepper in coloring, making them resemble juvenile birds.

Diet in the Wild: fish, squid, crustaceans, and marine worms
Number of Eggs Per Clutch: 2 eggs
Incubation Period: 25-33 days
Habitat:

This species nests along rocky coastlines from California to Alaska and along the eastern shores of Siberia. Pigeon Guillemots are flexible in their nest site selection and will use remote offshore islands or onshore sites. They are subtidal and nearshore foraging birds that often use intertidal rocks.

Threats in the Wild: river otters, fox, minx, gillnet by-catch mortality, and oil pollution
Did you know?:
  • Can dive up to 200ft ,but typically dive 20-40 feet
  •  It is sometimes known as the “Sea Pigeon”
  • Unlike the larger alcids, they are good flyers, taking off and landing with ease
  • They are the only alcid to lay 2 eggs