Common Murre
NameCommon Murre
Common NameCommon Murre
Scientific NameUria aalge
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)42
Weight (g)975
Plumage DetailsAdults have blackish-brown upperparts, head, and neck, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. The bill is thin and pointed, black in color. Some individuals (known as 'bridled' morphs) have a distinctive white eye-ring and a white line extending backward from the eye.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically heard at breeding colonies and include low, growling 'arrr' or 'karrr' sounds, often described as a purring or rumbling call.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal waters, open ocean, rocky cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on rocky coasts and islands in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters primarily at sea, often dispersing southward from breeding grounds.
Identifying FeaturesBlackish-brown upperparts and head with white belly, Thin, pointed black bill, Upright posture on land, Excellent diving ability, Some individuals have a white eye-ring and stripe (bridled morph)
Description
The Common Murre is a large seabird with a sleek, penguin-like appearance, adapted for diving. It spends most of its life at sea, coming to rocky cliffs to breed in dense colonies.
