Common Guillemot (adults and chicks)

Description:

The Common Guillemot is a large auk with a circumpolar distribution. They breed in high density colonies on bare rock ledges on cliff faces as the ones pictured here. The chicks are first unable to fly and leave their nesting ledge gliding into the sea, accompanied by their male parent.

Habitat:

Coastal cliff ledges, at Ingólfshöfði.

Notes:

Some common guillemots have a white ring around the eyes and a white line protruding backwards: these individuals are the "bridled" form (well visible on the first shot). These are found in the North Atlantic. This is not a distinct subspecies, but a polymorphism more common encountered the farther north the birds breed. This colony had both morphs. Find out more in the Wikipedia reference.