There are a number of differences between the two Guillemots, or Murres as they are listed by the IOC and called in the USA. The most often cited one is the white
tomium stripe on Brunnich's, but should that not be visible Common Guillemot is browner overall and slightly larger but more slender. The "bridled" form with a white eye-ring and stripe is only found in the Atlantic populations,
usually the more northerly ones. A last difference, often not cited in the literature, is that Brunnich's is a deeper diver, and as such often gulps in air before submerging. Winter plumages result in white
throat and cheeks, more so in this taxon.
Taken Farne Islands June 2015
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