Guadalupe Murrelet
NameGuadalupe Murrelet
Common NameGuadalupe Murrelet
Scientific NameSynthliboramphus hypoleucus
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)24
Weight (g)170
Plumage DetailsAdults have sooty-black upperparts, head, and neck, sharply contrasting with pure white underparts. The white extends up the flanks and forms a distinct line on the face. The bill is small and black.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet at sea, but at breeding colonies, they produce soft whistles, trills, and growls, often given in duet by pairs.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeBreeds primarily on Guadalupe Island and other small islands off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. Disperses into offshore waters of Baja California and southern California, USA.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dark upperparts, white underparts, sharp demarcation between dark and white plumage, short, pointed black bill, often seen swimming low in the water
Description
The Guadalupe Murrelet is a small, pelagic seabird with a stocky body, dark upperparts, and clean white underparts. It spends most of its life at sea, coming ashore only to breed in crevices and burrows on offshore islands.
