Guillemot (Common)
NameGuillemot (Common)
Common NameCommon Murre
Scientific NameUria aalge
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)42
Weight (g)985
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown to black upperparts, head, and neck, with pure white underparts. The bill is long, thin, and pointed, and black. In winter, the throat and cheeks become white, with a dark line extending behind the eye.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet when at sea, but highly vocal and noisy at breeding colonies, producing a variety of growls, grunts, and purring sounds.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal waters, open ocean, rocky islands, sea cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, including coastal regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters primarily at sea, often near breeding grounds but can disperse widely.
Identifying Featuresblack/dark brown upperparts and head, white underparts, long, thin pointed bill, upright posture on land, excellent underwater swimmer
Description
The Common Murre is a sleek, medium-sized seabird highly adapted for diving, often seen in large colonies on sea cliffs. It possesses a distinctive black or dark brown back and head, sharply contrasting with its pure white belly, making it an efficient pursuit diver for fish.
