ExploreBirds

Marbled Murrelet

Brachyramphus marmoratus

The Marbled Murrelet is a small bird that loves to live in coastal forests. It is special because it nests high up in the trees, unlike many other birds that build nests on the ground.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Marbled Murrelet is a small, stocky seabird with a short neck and pointed wings. In breeding season, it has a mottled brown and white 'marbled' pattern all over. In winter, it is dark blackish above and bright white below, looking much different.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyAlcidaeGenusBrachyramphus
Marbled Murrelet
feathered trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgepiscivorous trait badge
Marbled Murrelet

Category

Birds

Rarity

Rare

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Murrelet chicks leap from high forest nests to fly to the sea!

They fly silently to and from nests in darkness, avoiding predators.

They lay a single egg on a wide, mossy tree branch, not a typical nest!

They need ancient, giant trees in old forests, miles from the ocean!

Special abilities

Ability

Forest Nester

Marbled Murrelets can nest high in ancient forest trees, often miles inland, which is very unusual for a seabird.

Ability

Underwater Dynamo

Marbled Murrelets can dive deep underwater to catch fast-moving fish, using their wings like flippers.

Ability

Swift Commuter

Marbled Murrelets has short, pointed wings that help them fly incredibly fast between ocean and forest.

Measurements & details

Length
24-27 cm
Wingspan
40-45 cm
Weight
0.19-0.26 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
28-30 days

Diet & Feeding

This seabird loves to dive deep for small fish and tiny ocean critters to eat!

Primary Foods

  • Pacific herring
  • northern anchovy
  • Pacific sand lance
  • krill

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Marbled Murrelet?

24-27 cm

What is Marbled Murrelet's wingspan?

40-45 cm

How much does Marbled Murrelet weigh?

0.19-0.26 kg

How long does Marbled Murrelet live?

10-15 years

How fast can Marbled Murrelet move?

70 km/h

What does Marbled Murrelet eat?

This seabird loves to dive deep for small fish and tiny ocean critters to eat!

Where is Marbled Murrelet usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Marbled Murrelet hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Birds