Common Murre
Uria aalge
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Charadriiformes · Alcidae
About
The common murre or common guillemot is a large auk, one of several species called murre or guillemot. It has a circumpolar distribution, occurring in low-Arctic and boreal waters in the North Atlantic and North Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea, only coming to land to breed on rocky cliff shores or islands.
Fun Fact
Common Murre eggs are the most pointed of any bird, which is an adaptation to living on bare cliff ledges without a nest—the shape makes them roll in a tight circle.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Habitat is islands, rocky shores, cliffs and sea stacks.
Diet
Eats small schooling forage fish 200 mm (8 in) long or less, such as polar cod, capelin, sand lances, sprats, sandeels, Atlantic cod and Atlantic herring.
Lifespan
20 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance