Common Murre
NameCommon Murre
Common NameCommon Murre
Scientific NameUria aalge
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)42
Weight (g)975
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown to black upperparts, head, and neck, contrasting sharply with clean white underparts. The bill is long, slender, and pointed. Some individuals exhibit a 'bridled' morph with a white eye-ring and a thin white line extending behind the eye.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically guttural growls, grunts, and rumbles, especially at breeding colonies. They are generally quiet at sea.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal waters, rocky islands, sea cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters primarily at sea, often near breeding grounds but can disperse widely.
Identifying Featuresslender pointed bill, dark brown/black upperparts, white underparts, upright posture on land, excellent diving ability, often found in large colonies
Description
The Common Murre is a large, slender-billed seabird known for its exceptional diving abilities, often found in dense breeding colonies on rocky cliffs. They spend most of their lives at sea, coming ashore only to breed.
