Brachyramphus marmoratus
The Marbled Murrelet (*Brachyramphus marmoratus*) is a small, chunky seabird characterized by its short neck, pointed wings, and a relatively stout, dark bill. Measuring approximately 25 cm (10 in) long with a wingspan of 40-45 cm (16-18 in) and weighing around 200-250 g (7-9 oz), its plumage undergoes a dramatic seasonal transformation. In breeding season, it sports a cryptic, mottled chocolate-brown and rufous pattern with dark barring, perfectly camouflaging it against its arboreal nesting...
This species requires two distinct habitats: mature and old-growth coastal coniferous forests for nesting, and rich nearshore marine waters for foraging.
Primarily consumes small schooling fish like Pacific herring, sandlance, and capelin, supplemented by marine invertebrates such as euphausiids and small shrimp, all obtained through pursuit diving.
Marbled Murrelets exhibit a fascinating dichotomy in their daily behavior, foraging diurnally in marine waters but undertaking crepuscular or nocturnal flights to and from their inland nest sites to avoid predators. They are pursuit divers, propelling themselves underwater with their wings to cat...
The breeding range of the Marbled Murrelet extends along the North Pacific coast, from the Aleutian Islands and southcentral Alaska, through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and as far south as central California (Santa Cruz Mountains). Disjunct populations, often classified as the Long-bill...
Near Threatened
- Known as the "Enigma of the Pacific" due to its long-undiscovered tree-nesting habits. - It is the only alcid (family of auks, murres, and puffins) that consistently nests in trees, not on cliffs or in burrows. - Murrelets can travel up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) inland from the ocean to reach...