Welcome to the pigeon guillemot!
The season’s first six pigeon guillemots (Cepphus columba) were spotted off our back deck last Wednesday, March 1, ready with their shrill chirps, whistles, and water-dancing moves to find the mates they’ve been separated from since last summer. These adorable pigeon-sized diving seabirds will spend the next few months building their nests and raising their chicks under the deck of the Aquarium before heading back out to sea again!
Pigeon guillemots are a species of seabird belonging to the Auk family. They are found along rocky coastlines in the North Pacific, from Alaska to California. Pigeon guillemots have black plumage with white wing patches and bright red legs. They have small heads and medium-length, sharply pointed bills.
Pigeon guillemots are well adapted for life at sea, with short wings that help them maneuver quickly underwater while hunting for fish and other prey. They nest on rocky cliffs or ledges near the ocean, often in colonies with other seabirds.
Pigeon guillemots can be observed from decks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where they come to feed on small fish and crustaceans. Visitors can also learn more about their behavior and courtship displays at the Aquarium.
Pigeon guillemots are essential to the North Pacific ecosystem, providing food for predators like bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Their stable population could be threatened by human activities such as pollution or overfishing of prey species.
Overall, pigeon guillemots are an exciting species of seabird that play an essential role in their environment. With their unique adaptations and behaviors, they are sure to fascinate birdwatchers everywhere!
