Distribution and movements of Black Guillemots ( Cepphus grylle ) in coastal waters of the southwestern Bay of Fundy, Canada

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Nol, E., Gaskin, D. E.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1987
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Canada; Cepphus grylle
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z87-407; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z87-407

Distribution and movement patterns are described for summering (nonbreeding) Black Guillemots in the Deer Island region of the southwestern Bay of Fundy, Canada. Guillemots were distributed in areas with moderate current velocities (range, 30–68 cm/s) and shallow to intermediate depths (range, 17–31 m). The birds appeared to avoid shallow and deep areas with fast- or slow-moving water. Guillemots preferred islands with extensive underwater ledges, presumably because these harboured sufficient prey and provided protection from fast-moving tidal waters. Guillemots moved in and out of the approaches passively with the tide and, in contrast to larids in the region, made only small-scale flights to reposition themselves in relation to food resources.