North American field guide

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

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Identification

34 cm (14") Fairly common. Pacific Ocean; may be seen close to shore in breeding season. Large long bill, long slender neck.

Breeding: black overall except for large white wing patch that has a black triangular bar on it.

Fall and Winter: pale grayish head, neck and back, white underparts.

Details in the field

4 photos

Credit: Mike Baird

Credit: K. Schnelder

Credit: Maggie Smith

Credit: Tom Clifton

Watch and learn

1 video

Pigeon Guillemot

Credit: Gary Shugart