Marbled Murrelet

Brachyramphus marmoratus

The Marbled Murrelet is a small seabird of the north Pacific coast of North America.  They were one of the last birds in North America to have its nesting grounds discovered, with the first nest not discovered until 1974. This is due to their unusual nesting habits in much of their range, where the nest is built high in the trees of very old-growth forest, sometimes many miles from the coastline.  Their dependence on old-growth forests for nesting has undoubtedly resulted in declines in the species as logging has felled much of their preferred nesting habitat.  They have been listed as "threatened" by U.S. Fish and Wildlife since 1992.  Serious threats continue to impact the species.

Habitat: During the summer breeding season, breeds on mountainous slopes on the coast (typically on islands), or in mature, old-growth forest, sometimes well inland from the coast.  At other seasons, found on protected waters near the coast.

Diet: Feeds mostly on small fish and crustaceans such as shrimp and amphipods.

Behavior: Forages by swimming underwater, usually in relatively shallow water close to shore. 

Nesting: The nest of a Marbled Murrelet is usually a simple depression in mosses and lichens on a sturdy tree branch, or in the northern portion of their range, the nest may be placed on the ground. Both males and females will help to incubate the eggs.  Upon hatching, both parents tend to and feed the young. 

Song: In flight, gives a screeching gull-like call.

Migration: Many Marbled Murrelets stay very close to their summer breeding grounds in all seasons.  However, there is some movement southward in the winter, as well as a greater liklihood that Marbled Murrelets will be found further from shore.

Similar Species: Non-breeding birds are similar in appearance to nearly all other Murrelets in non-breeding plumage.  In breeding plumage, most likely to be confused with Kittlitz's Murrelet and Long-billed Murrelet.

Conservation Status: Marbled Murrelet are still common in some areas, but populations have plummeted in recent years. Habitat loss, vulnerability to oil spills, and the effects of climate change are significant threats to the species in the future. The IUCN currently lists the Marbled Murrelet as "Endangered".

Further Information: 1) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Profile - Marbled Murrelet

2) BirdWeb.org - Marbled Murrelet

3) Conservation Northwest - Marbled Murreleet

Photo Information: Photo taken in August, 2010 - Resurrection Bay, off the coast of Seward, Alaska - Terry Sohl