Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 15–16.9 in
38–43 cm - Wingspan
- 25.2–28 in
64–71 cm - Weight
- 28.2–39.7 oz
800–1125 g
Other Names
- Atlantic Murre, Guillemot (British)
- Guillemot marmette (French)
- Arao común (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- In the Atlantic, some populations include "bridled" or "ringed" individuals, which have a white eye-ring and a white line extending backward from the eyes. Bridled birds are more common farther north.
- The high degree of variation in color and markings of Common Murre eggs may allow parent murres to recognize their own egg when they return to the colony from time at sea.
- The egg of a Common Murre is so pointed at one end that when placed on a flat surface and pushed, it rolls around in a circle. Such a shape may help keep the egg from rolling off of its nesting shelf.
Habitat
Ocean
Food
Fish
Fish, squid and other marine invertebrates.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Egg Description
- Very pointed at one end. Color variable, ranging from white to tan without markings, to dark green or turquoise with extensive black spots and scrawls.
- Condition at Hatching
- Covered in down, able to stand within one day.
Nest Description
Shallow depression in rocky ledge on steep cliff. Nests in colonies.
Nest Placement
Cliff
Behavior
Surface Dive
Dives underwater to capture prey, using its wings to swim.
Conservation
Least Concern
Numerous, but vulnerable to oil spills and gill-netting. Pacific populations have declined and partially recovered, while Atlantic populations appear to be increasing.
Credits
- Ainley, D. G., D. N. Nettleship, H. R. Carter, and A. E. Storey. 2002. Common Murre (Uria aalge). In The Birds of North America, No. 666 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America,Inc., Philadelphia, PA.