Kittlitz's Murrelet vs Black Guillemot
Brachyramphus brevirostris compared with Cepphus grylle
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Kittlitz's Murrelet | Black Guillemot |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brachyramphus brevirostris | Cepphus grylle |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae | Alcidae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 27.6 cm (10.9 in) | 30.8 cm (12.1 in) |
| Weight | 233.0333333333333 g (8.22 oz) | 421.8666666666666 g (14.88 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Kittlitz's Murrelet
Least Concern
Black Guillemot
About These Birds
Kittlitz's Murrelet
Kittlitz's Murrelet, 23–25 cm, is an enigmatic auk that nests on rocky tundra above the tree line in Alaska and eastern Russia, often near glaciers. Mottled brown in summer, white in winter. Critically dependent on glacial outwash for foraging; Vulnerable as glaciers recede. Piscivore.
Black Guillemot
Black Guillemot, 30–32 cm, is a compact North Atlantic alcid, distinctive in summer: entirely black with bold white wing patches and vivid red feet. Resident on rocky Arctic and boreal shores year-round; does not undertake long pelagic migrations. Dives to 50 m for blennies and sand eels near shore.