Common Murre
NameCommon Murre
Common NameCommon Murre
Scientific NameUria aalge
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)42
Weight (g)1025
Plumage DetailsIn breeding plumage, the Common Murre has a dark brown to black head, neck, back, and wings, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. Its non-breeding plumage features a white throat and cheeks, with a dark cap extending down the nape. Some individuals exhibit a 'bridled' morph with a white eye-ring and a white line extending behind the eye.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically low, guttural growls, grunts, and purrs, often described as 'arrr' or 'karrr' sounds, especially heard in noisy breeding colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatspelagic, coastal, cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, breeding on coasts of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Identifying FeaturesDark brown/black upperparts and white underparts, Long, slender, pointed bill, Upright posture on land, Excellent underwater swimmer using wings, Often forms dense breeding colonies on cliffs
Description
The Common Murre is a large seabird known for its exceptional diving abilities, propelling itself underwater with its wings to hunt fish. It has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body and typically breeds in dense colonies on rocky cliffs.
