Golden Breasted Guillemot

Andraous (Discontinued)    Wildlife    Birds      Golden Breasted Guillemot

A rarely seen seabird, the Golden Breasted Guillemot is native to the seas around the Serpent's Teeth, a harsh area where few willingly go.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Golden Breasted Guillemot typically has a black head, wings, and back, while their underside is white. They have a long, pointed beak, and short, rounded tail.
For most of the year it is nearly physically impossible to tell males and females apart. During the breeding season, the male will develop a bright, golden collar across his chest.

Biological Traits

Flight Fast fliers, but not very agile.
Swimming Excellent swimmers and can dive relatively deep. They are very maneuverable in the water.

Genetics and Reproduction

Young males attract a mate by facing the sun, throwing his head back, and doing a little dance. The healthier the individual the shinier his golden collar will be, and the more attractive he will be to potential mates. Once two guillemots pair up they will typically mate for life.
The Golden Breasted Guillemot is a colonial breeder, with hundreds if not thousands of pairs nesting on small islands. No nest is made, and instead they lay a single egg directly onto bare rock. The eggs are conical, and are uniquely patterned to help the parents recognize their egg. Base color can be brown, white, blue or green with black or silver speckling.

Ecology and Habitats

The Golden Breasted Guillemot spends most of it's life out at sea, but will head to small, barren islands to breed.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Small fish make up the bulk of a Golden Breasted Guillemot's diet, with the occasional mollusks, crustaceans, insects, and plants making up the rest. To catch prey, they are capable of diving relatively deep and swimming after prey.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

One community that lives near the Serpent's Teeth will hunt these birds for their oily meat, and gather their eggs as a delicacy.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This guillemot species is endemic to the waters surrounding the Serpent's Teeth.