Japanese Murrelet
NameJapanese Murrelet
Common NameJapanese Murrelet
Scientific NameSynthliboramphus wumizusume
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)180
Plumage DetailsAdults have black upperparts and white underparts. The head features a black cap, a prominent white stripe extending from above the eye to the nape, and a white throat. Breeding adults develop distinctive long, white head plumes.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include various high-pitched whistles, trills, and chirps, particularly around breeding colonies during the night. They are generally silent at sea.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, marine
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeBreeds primarily on small, rocky offshore islands around Japan and South Korea. During the non-breeding season, they disperse into the surrounding temperate waters of the western Pacific Ocean.
Identifying Featuressmall size, black and white plumage, distinctive head pattern with black cap and white stripe, white throat, long white head plumes (breeding adults), often seen swimming low in the water
Description
The Japanese Murrelet is a small, stocky seabird with striking black and white plumage, often seen in pairs or small groups at sea. They are highly pelagic outside the breeding season, spending most of their lives on the open ocean, and nest in colonies on offshore islands.
