Birds of South Marble: Kittlitz's Murrelet

Research suggests these round birds rely heavily upon glacial habitat to survive.

NPS Photo

Kittlitz's Murrelet, Brachyramphus brevirostris

Similar in body to the marbled, Kittlitz’s murrelets in breeding plumage are speckled a pale golden-brown. This seabird is endemic to Alaska and eastern Russia, with a large portion of the world's population dependent on the glacial fjord of Glacier Bay for summer breeding habitat. They nest high in rugged coastal mountains that have a close association with glaciers, which makes them especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including shrinking habitat and changes in the ocean that effect the availability of food.

 

Measurements

Wingspan	Length	Weight
17"	9.5"	8 oz/220 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.