The Black Guillemot is distributed in northern Europe and around the fringes of the Arctic Ocean in North America and Siberia. In winter it can remain in the high Arctic as long as there is unfrozen water available.

It does not breed in large colonies like other auks such as Guillemot and Puffin but is found in small, loose groups of a dozen or so birds.

The 3rd photo shows a mating ritual with both birds standing tall on their extended legs with bills pointing up and down while making a series of pipit-like sounds.