Synthliboramphus hypoleucus
The Guadalupe Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus) is a small, enigmatic seabird of the Alcid family, distinguished by its sleek, dark slate-gray to blackish upperparts and pristine white underparts, creating a stark counter-shading that aids in camouflage at sea. Measuring approximately 25 cm (9.8 in) in length with a wingspan of around 38 cm (15 in) and weighing 170-200 grams, it possesses a short, pointed black bill and a relatively plain head, lacking any crests or striking facial marki...
Pelagic offshore waters, primarily utilizing rocky, uninhabited islands or islets for nocturnal breeding at low elevations.
Mainly small schooling fish (e.g., anchovies, sardines) and marine invertebrates such as crustaceans and larval fish, captured by pursuit diving.
Guadalupe Murrelets are primarily diurnal when foraging at sea but become strictly nocturnal on their breeding islands, a crucial adaptation to avoid diurnal predators like gulls and raptors. At sea, they are typically observed singly or in small, loose flocks. Their foraging strategy is pursuit ...
The Guadalupe Murrelet's breeding range is highly restricted, primarily centered on Guadalupe Island, Mexico, off the Baja California Peninsula. Historically, it also bred on the San Benito Islands and potentially other smaller islets in the region, but it has been extirpated from some of these s...
Endangered
- Guadalupe Murrelet chicks leave the nest and head to the ocean just 1-3 days after hatching, unable to fly, guided by their parents' calls. - These elusive seabirds are strictly nocturnal on their breeding islands, an adaptation to avoid diurnal predators such as gulls and raptors. - They were ...