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Ancient Murrelet
last update: Mar 24, 2009 10:58 AM
Latin name: Synthliboramphus antiquus
Population: 1,000,000 individuals
Cites classified: Least Concern
Where found: Northern Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Japan to California
Age/ life expectancy: approx. 6 years
Wingspan: 45-46 cm
Length: 20-24 cm
Weight: 153-250 g
Mating/Breeding: Ancient Murrelets nest in small colonies located on islands or in coastal forests. They place their nests at the bases of large trees in burrows under the roots, or under grass tussocks. Both sexes dig the burrows, which are 2-5 feet long and end in a nest chamber lined with twigs, leaves, and grass. They raise two young, and both parents incubate the eggs, often taking extended shifts on the nest, lasting from 2-6 days at a time. Incubation lasts for about 4 weeks. Within three days of hatching, the parents call the young out from the burrow and then fly to sea, where they repeatedly call for the young. The newly hatched chicks run to shore from the burrows, enter the water, and swim to the parents. Immediately upon reaching the water they can swim and dive well, using both their feet and wings for propulsion. Chicks do not receive their first meal until they have joined their parents on the water. The family swims offshore together, and groups have been found 30 miles from the colony within 18 hours of departure. Chicks will stay with and be fed by their parents at sea for at least four more weeks.
Hibernation: winters in the breeding range and southward to the California coast, Japan, and Korea
Hunting Habits: swimming underwater using their wings for propulsion
Feed on: small fish, krill, and shrimp
Colour/Body: A small, stocky bird, the Ancient Murrelet is slate-gray above, with gray and white sides and a white belly. The head is black, and the bill is pale. White on the throat extends back and up to the ears. During the breeding season, the throat is black, with a white band at the neck. The eyebrow is accented with white feathers at this time.
Interesting Trivia:
- It is the only member of the auk family to raise its young entirely at sea.
