Birds of South Marble: Pigeon Guillemot

Look for the pigeon guillemot's vivid red-orange feet as they swim.

NPS Photo/S. Schaller

Pigeon Guillemot, Cepphus columba

 
In breeding plumage, these dark brown-black birds sport distinct white wing patches. Their feet are bright red, as is the inside of their mouths. Like many seabirds, PGs only come to land to breed, nesting in rock crevices. They are good divers using their broad rounded wings to "fly" underwater. Non-breeding adults and immatures look very different, with much white and mottled feathers, respectively.
 

Measurements

Wingspan	Length	Weight
23"	13.5"	1.1 lbs/490 g

Know before you go: South Marble Island is closed to camping and foot traffic year-round. All vessels (including kayaks) must remain further than 50 yards from the southern half of South Marble Island and remain further than 100 yards from nesting seabird colonies. Binoculars are advised.