The Black Guillemot, a seabird found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, is pronounced /blæk ˈɡɪləmət/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of this word follows English language rules with the use of the letter 'b' for the voiced bilabial plosive, 'l' for the lateral approximant, 'a' for the short vowel sound, 'c' for the voiceless velar stop and 'k' for the voiceless velar plosive. The 'guillemot' part of the word comes from the French word 'guillemot' which means a seabird of the auk family.
The black guillemot, scientifically known as Cepphus grylle, is a species of seabird belonging to the Alcidae family. This medium-sized bird has a distinct appearance, characterized by its unique black plumage. Adult individuals feature a glossy black body with variable amounts of white on their wings, underparts, and face, while juveniles display a brownish coloration with white-spotted wings. Additionally, during the breeding season, black guillemots exhibit a prominent white patch on each wing, which serves as a striking contrast against their black feathers.
These seabirds are typically found along coastal regions of the northern hemisphere, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They nest in rock crevices or burrows close to the sea, often on cliffs or rocky shores. As skilled divers, black guillemots feed primarily on small fish species, such as sand eels, capelin, and herring, as well as crustaceans and other marine invertebrates.
Black guillemots are known for their peculiar vocalizations, which consist of a variety of low growls, groans, and chirps. They are monogamous birds, forming pair bonds that can last throughout their lifespan. Breeding pairs communicate through elaborate displays and courtship rituals, involving frequent head movements and the offering of fish.
While the global population of black guillemots is considered stable, certain threats, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, can impact their breeding success and overall population numbers. Conservation efforts are in place to safeguard their habitats and monitor any changes in their population dynamics.
The word "black guillemot" is a combination of the adjective "black" and the noun "guillemot".
The term "guillemot" is derived from the French word "guillemot", which comes from the Old Norse word "gilimotr". "Gilimotr" is a compound of "gili", meaning "gill" or "cleft", and "motr", meaning "fool" or "ignoramus". This name was given to the bird because it was perceived as foolish due to its tameness and vulnerability on land.
The word "black" simply refers to the predominant dark coloration of the bird's plumage.