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GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba)

Species Code: CECO

Click to enlarge Range map

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Other maps & Information:
  • Breeding Bird Atlas
  • NatureMapping observations
    during breeding season
  • NatureMapping observations
    throughout the year

This species is locally common on beaches, sandy cliffs, and offshore islands along the outer and inland marine waters from Tatoosh Island in Clallam County to Puget Sound.

Good habitat in the core areas of use included coastal habitats (but not estuaries) in zones adjacent to the coast.

Washington's individuals are representative of the subspecies C. c. columba. Pigeon Guillemots nest widely throughout the salt waters of Washington, utilizing natural burrows, wharfs, pipes, and logs on beaches. While most of WashingtonÕs seabirds nest in large colonies, this species breeds singly or in small colonies on virtually every small marine inlet or coastline in Washington. 144 colonies have been recorded for this species, making it undoubtedly the most widely distributed seabird (excluding gulls and terns) geographically, though one of the smallest in terms of overall population size. Their numbers typically fluctuate annually, based on food supply and climatic event. Significant increases of this species have been reported at Protection Island from 1976 to 1984, yet this species has declined in recent years from about 3000 pairs on Protection Island in 1993 to only 1967 pairs in 1995.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester