Cepphus columba

A Pigeon Guillemot. This chunky seabird is endemic to the Pacific Ocean. Monterey Bay is hosting a lively population right now, all decked out in striking breeding plumage. This species strongly resembles its Atlantic cousin, the Black Guillemot, though is separated by geography and by a black wedge within its white wing patch. I've seen them before but never so close--this was taken from a pier adjacent to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, overlooking the water.