Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Observation reveals a melanistic razorbill in 2022 and 2023 at Machias Seal Island, suggesting rare colouration in birds.
Aberrant colouration in birds is relatively common but melanism occurs infrequently. We report an observation of a melanistic Razorbill Alca torda attending the nesting colony at Machias Seal Island, Bay of Fundy in 2022 and 2023. This is the third reported occurrence of a melanistic Razorbill and the first in over 100 years.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Major et al. (2024) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: