Marbled Murrelet
Brachyramphus marmoratus
The Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) is a uncommon auks, puffins, and murr found in 3 countries, weighing about 220 g. The marbled murrelet is a small seabird from the North Pacific.
About the Marbled Murrelet
The marbled murrelet is a small seabird from the North Pacific. It is a member of the family Alcidae, which includes auklets, guillemots, murres and puffins. It nests in old-growth forests or on the ground at higher latitudes where trees cannot grow. Its population has declined since humans began logging its nest trees in the latter half of the 19th century. The decline of the marbled murrelet and its association with old-growth forests—at least in the southern part of its range—have made it a flagship species in the forest protection movement.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The marbled murrelet is a small (25 cm), chunky auk with a slender black bill. It has pointed wings and plumage that varies by season. The non-breeding plumage is typically white underneath with a black crown, nape, wings and back. The bird closely resembles its congener, the long-billed murrelet; in fact, these species were considered conspecific up until 1998. In breeding plumage, both have a brown mottled body and face. The long-billed has a pale white throat which is lacking in the marbled. In winter plumage, the marbled murrelet has a white neck collar, absent in long-billed.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mexico.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in July. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Marbled Murrelet?
- The marbled murrelet is a small (25 cm), chunky auk with a slender black bill. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Marbled Murrelet?
- The Marbled Murrelet is a medium sized bird weighing about 220 g.
- Where can you see a Marbled Murrelet?
- The Marbled Murrelet occurs in 3 countries, including the United States and Canada.
- What birds look similar to a Marbled Murrelet?
- The Marbled Murrelet is most easily confused with the Kittlitz's Murrelet and the Long-billed Murrelet.
- Is the Marbled Murrelet endangered?
- The Marbled Murrelet is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Marbled Murrelet for real
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