• Skip to Content
  • Skip to Main Navigation
  • Skip to Local Navigation
  • Skip to Search
  • Skip to Sitemap
  • Skip to Footer

Ancient Murrelet

Synthliboramphus antiquus ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: ALCIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Widespread throughout the north Pacific, the Ancient Murrelet nests colonially in burrows or rock crevices. It is the only seabird that raises its young entirely at sea.

Appearance

Ducklike
Ducklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Small plump waterbird. Black face and crown. Gray upperparts. White sides of neck, throat, and underparts. Short, pale yellow bill.

Immature Description

Resembles nonbreeding adult, with little or no white feathers around crown, and a darker bill.

Range Map Help

Ancient Murrelet Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Breeding adult
    Zoom In

    Ancient Murrelet

    Breeding adult
    • © Chris Wood, Alaska, June 2004
  • Breeding adults
    Zoom In

    Ancient Murrelet

    Breeding adults
    • © Chris Wood, Alaska, June 2004
  • Nonbreeding adult
    Zoom In

    Ancient Murrelet

    Nonbreeding adult
    • © Tom Auer, Tahquemenon River Mouth, Michigan, October 2006

Similar Species

  • No other alcid has a small yellow bill.
  • Nonbreeding Marbled Murrelet somewhat similar, but has dark bill and white flanks and sides of rump visible in flight (gray in Ancient Murrelet).

    ×

    Search

    Or Browse Bird Guide by Family, Name or Shape
    ×
    bird image Blue-winged Warbler by Brian Sullivan

    Receive bird news, tips, and information about Lab projects.

    The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell or give your email address to others.

    ×

    What is your favorite species?

    The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell or give your email address to others.