Black Guillemot

Cepphus grylie

It's striking black and white plumage and bright red feet make it easy to identify in summer.

Unlike most other European auks the black guillemot is typically found in ones and twos, scattered around rocky islets. It is typical of the larger sea lochs of western Scotland, and the northern and western isles, but is also found in Ireland, the Isle of Man and in a handful of spots in England and Wales.

How to be responsible when watching wildlife >

Discover more about the Black Guillemot

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

The black guillemot's striking black and white plumage and bright red feet make it easy to identify in summer.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Highest numbers of black guillemot can be found on the Shetland and Orkney islands, and down the west coast of Scotland.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?
Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Guillemot Razorbill

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

The black guillemot's striking black and white plumage and bright red feet make it easy to identify in summer.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Highest numbers of black guillemot can be found on the Shetland and Orkney islands, and down the west coast of Scotland.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?
Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Guillemot Razorbill

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

The black guillemot's striking black and white plumage and bright red feet make it easy to identify in summer.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Highest numbers of black guillemot can be found on the Shetland and Orkney islands, and down the west coast of Scotland.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?
Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Guillemot Razorbill

Book your opportunity to see this wildlife

Seafari Adventures (Oban) Ltd.

Seafari Adventures are a 5* Visit Scotland marine wildlife tour operator. Based in the conservation area of Easdale, 16 miles south of Oban we have...
Read more >

SeatrekScotland

SeatrekScotland provides snorkelling, coasteering, seatrekking, wild swimming and coastal walking experiences.  Lochaber's coastline is brimming wi...
Read more >

Days in the Wild

Whether you want to see otters in the wild or photograph a kingfisher dive, we are here to help.  We help you find the best of the wildlife and if...
Read more >

St Hilda Sea Adventures

St Hilda Sea Adventures provides small ship cruising and wildlife holidays on the beautiful West Coast of Scotland.  Our cruises, among the breatht...
Read more >

Scotland's Canyons

Scotland's diverse landscapes and ancient geology are the perfect ingredients for enchanting and unique canyoning adventures.   Explore prehistoric...
Read more >

Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is an award-winning wildlife tour company offering its guests opportunities to see the most charismatic and enigmatic species in Sco...
Read more >

Wilderness Scotland

Wilderness Scotland is an award-winning adventure travel and ecotourism company. We specialise in offering an inspiring range of guided, self-guide...
Read more >

Wild Ewe Safaris

Our safaris explore the wonderful diversity of nature around the Loch Ewe area in Wester Ross, in the North West Highlands of Scotland. ​ If we're...
Read more >

Blue Wild Nature Boat Tours

EXPLORE NATURE BlueWild sails you to the Bass Rock, the Isle of May, to world-famous colonies of gannets and puffins where seals, dolphins and whal...
Read more >

Orcadian Wildlife

Why tour Orkney with us? We pride ourselves on the attention given to you, our guests, in blending Orkney’s wildlife and culture. We live here, and...
Read more >
1 2