Birds of South Marble: Common Murre

Common Murres are often seen on the cliffs of South Marble Island

NPS Photo/S. Schaller

Common Murre, Uria aalge

These large seabirds have chocolate brown backs, heads and bills, and white bellies. They can dive to 500 feet pursuing fish and invertebrates. Colonial breeders, they nest on crowded rocky ledges and lay one egg. Mottled with a pattern recognized by the parents, eggs have one pointed end; thus, can roll in a tight circle rather than off ledges.

 

Measurements

Wingspan	Length	Weight
26"	17.5"	2.2 lbs/990 g

Know before you go: South Marble Island is closed to camping and foot traffic year-round. All vessels (including kayaks) must remain further than 50 yards from the southern half of South Marble Island and remain further than 100 yards from nesting seabird colonies. Binoculars are advised.