Common MurreUria aalgeWhere and when to see them

The common murre is the North American name for the same species called common guillemot in Europe. This streamlined seabird spends most of its life at sea, coming ashore to breed on crowded rocky ledges. Its narrow bill and dark-and-white plumage look simple at a distance, but colony life is highly organised. Pacific populations can suffer severe losses when warm-water events disrupt the small fish on which adults and chicks depend.

Size

38-43 cm long

Weight

0.8-1.2 kg

Lifespan

15-25 years

Status

Least Concern

At breeding colonies, murres stand shoulder to shoulder and repeatedly commute between their ledges and marine feeding grounds. Partners share incubation and recognise each other through calls and close-range interactions. The single chick leaves the colony while still unable to fly, descending toward the water and continuing development at sea with its father. After nesting, birds disperse, and the great concentrations visible on summer cliffs may disappear almost completely. Courtship displays involve bowing and mutual preening on the colony ledges. Murres often congregate in dense rafts on the water near their colonies, especially in the early morning and late evening. The male continues to provision the chick at sea for several weeks after it leaves the colony, teaching it to forage and dive effectively.

• Common murre and common guillemot are the same species.
• Both parents incubate the single egg.
• The father accompanies the flightless chick at sea after colony departure.
• Chicks are commonly delivered one fish at a time.

Alaskan breeding colonies are most practical to observe during late spring and summer, with timing varying by latitude. New England opportunities are more associated with the colder part of the year and are less dependable from shore. Good visibility and calm conditions improve detection of scattered birds offshore. In Alaska, viewing from cruise ships offers excellent opportunities to see large breeding colonies, particularly in areas like the Chiswell Islands or the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. For New England, boat tours for seabirds often target offshore areas in late fall and winter where murres gather. Keep an eye out for rafts of birds on the water, which can indicate feeding areas.

Rocky islands, steep coastal cliffs and sea stacks provide breeding ledges, with nearby marine waters supplying food. Outside breeding, murres occupy coastal and offshore shelf habitat. Alaska supports major colonies, whereas New England observations are more often scattered birds at sea. Murres are pursuit divers that often prefer waters over 20 meters deep for foraging. During winter, some populations undertake significant migrations to more southerly waters, potentially covering hundreds or thousands of kilometers. Global populations have shown mixed trends, with some localized declines due to oil spills or fisheries bycatch.

Small fish such as capelin, sand lance and juvenile schooling fishes are important, with crustaceans and other prey contributing locally. Adults chase prey using wing-powered swimming. A parent commonly carries a single fish back to its chick rather than a billful of many. Murres are highly efficient foragers, typically diving to depths between 20-70 meters, though they can reach over 100 meters. Their streamlined bodies and powerful wing strokes allow for agile underwater pursuit of prey. They play an important role in marine food webs, consuming a variety of schooling fish species and invertebrates.

Common name

Common Murre

Scientific name

Uria aalge

Animal group

Birds

Size

38-43 cm long

Weight

0.8-1.2 kg

Lifespan

15-25 years

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Its longer, slimmer bill lacks the conspicuous pale gape line of thick-billed murre, while razorbill has a much deeper, blunt-ended bill. The Common Murre's plumage is a striking black and white, with a dark back and head contrasting sharply with a white belly. In breeding season, a distinctive dark 'bridle' mark around the eye and behind can be present on some individuals, indicating the 'bridled' morph. Its posture on land is generally upright, often appearing rather elegant, especially on breeding ledges.