Birds of South Marble: Marbled Murrelet

Marbeled Murrelets travel great distances to Glacier Bay's feeding grounds.

NPS Photo/C. Gabriele

Marbled Murrelet, Brachyramphus marmoratus

 
In breeding plumage, these small chunky birds are overall dark brownish; non-breeding plumage is black and white with a black cap, and black and white collar. Their round bodies and low flight with rapid wing beats has earned them the nickname of "flying baked potatoes." They typically feed in pairs or small flocks on small fish and invertebrates. In Southeast Alaska they fly as far as 50 miles inland to their nests, which are platforms of lichen and moss on the branches of large conifers in old-growth forests. They lay one egg. The chick fledges in 28 days after molting into juvenile plumage and flies directly from the nest to the ocean.

 

Measurements

Wingspan	Length	Weight
16"	9.75"	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.