The common murre (Uria aalge), also known as the common guillemot, is a remarkable species of seabird found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific. They spend most of their time on the open ocean and only come to land to breed. Known for its distinctive appearance, the murre has black and white plumage, long, pointed beaks, and strong diving abilities.
In this article, we’ll explore the key features of this spectacular bird, its habitat, diet, reproduction, and some of its major threats. We’ll also focus on other interesting facts, like its vital role in the marine ecosystem, to help us appreciate and protect this critical species.
Appearance
Murre birds are easily recognized by their distinctive black and white plumage. They have a black head, neck, back, and wings, while their underparts are white. In some birds, a white stripe may extend up the neck from the breast. During the breeding season, adult murres also develop a distinctive white ring around the eyes, known as the “bridle,” which fades during the non-breeding season.
These Murres have a long, pointed beak which they use to catch small fish and crustaceans. The beak is lined with sharp edges, allowing them to grip slippery prey. Moreover, their wings are short and rounded, which helps them maneuver effectively underwater.
Adult murres typically weigh between 1-2 pounds and have a wingspan of around 25 inches.
Habitat
Murre birds are primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere, along the coasts of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are adapted to live at sea and spend most of their time in the open ocean, where they feed on small fish and crustaceans. During the breeding season, murres come to land to nest and raise their chicks.
Murres typically breed in large colonies on coastal cliffs, islands, and rocky outcroppings. They prefer sites inaccessible to predators, such as cliffs or offshore islands. These breeding colonies can be dense since thousands of birds often nest in a single location.
The birds build simple nests from pebbles, grass, and other materials, laying their eggs directly on the ground.
After the breeding season, murres disperse into the open ocean again, where they spend most of their time foraging for food. They can travel vast distances and follow the schools of fish or other prey as they move through the ocean.
Diet
Murre birds are opportunistic feeders, and their diet varies depending on prey availability. They primarily feed on sand eels, capelin, krill, squid, and other small crustaceans. Murre birds are well adapted to diving and can dive to depths of up to 600 feet to catch their prey.
During the breeding season, murres may supplement their diet with small invertebrates, such as marine worms or insects. They also regurgitate partially digested food to feed their chicks.
Common Murres have a unique structure called a “tubular pupil” in the eyes, which helps them focus on objects in the air and underwater. So this is the adaptation that allows them to spot prey accurately from above the surface and adjust their dive accordingly.
Reproduction
Murre birds are monogamous and typically mate for life. They gather in large colonies on rocky cliffs and ledges during breeding.
Males will perform elaborate courtship displays involving bowing, bill-touching, and vocalizations to attract a mate. Once a pair has formed, they will lay a single, huge egg, which they take turns incubating for around 35 days.
After hatching, the parents feed the chick for approximately 3-4 weeks.
Threats
Murre birds face several threats caused by natural and human activities. One of the biggest threats they face is climate change, which is affecting the availability of their primary food sources. Warmer ocean temperatures are causing fish populations to move to different areas, making it harder for murre birds to find food.
Murre birds are also threatened by pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing, which can reduce prey availability. In addition, they are sometimes preyed upon by larger birds, such as gulls and eagles. Moreover, oil spills and other environmental disasters often affect these birds.
Facts About The Common Murre
- Murre birds are found in the northern parts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
- They primarily feed on small fish, such as sand eels, capelin, krill, squid, and other small crustaceans.
- Murre birds are well adapted to diving and can dive to depths of up to 600 feet to catch their prey.
- They gather in large colonies on rocky cliffs and ledges during breeding.
- Males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract a mate.
FAQs
Is a murre bird an auk?
A murre bird is an auk since they belong to the family Alcidae, a group of seabirds that include other species of auks like puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. All auks have similar physical characteristics, such as streamlined bodies and webbed feet for swimming. They are also known for their distinctive black-and-white coloration and the ability to fly underwater using their wings to “fly” through the water.
How many eggs does a murre bird lay?
A murre lays a single egg during the breeding season. The egg is large in comparison to the size of the bird, weighing up to about 11% of the female’s body weight. Moreover, the egg is incubated by both parents for around 35 days before hatching. Once hatched, the parents take care of the chick until it is ready to leave the nest.
Are murre birds edible?
Murre birds are not commonly hunted or consumed by humans, as they are primarily marine birds that spend most of their lives at sea. However, in some cultures, particularly in Alaska and other parts of the Arctic, they’re traditionally hunted for their meat, eggs, and feathers. The eggs are considered a delicacy and are often pickled or preserved in other ways. However, it is essential to note that local laws and regulations regulate hunting and consuming wild birds.
What is the conservation status of Murre birds?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the murre bird as a species of “least concern.” So, it’s not currently at risk of extinction. However, populations of common murres have experienced significant declines in some areas due to various factors, including overfishing and oil spills. In other words, despite the status, we should still take care to preserve their population.
