Kittlitz's Murrelet vs Ancient Murrelet
Brachyramphus brevirostris compared with Synthliboramphus antiquus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Kittlitz's Murrelet | Ancient Murrelet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brachyramphus brevirostris | Synthliboramphus antiquus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae | Alcidae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 27.6 cm (10.9 in) | 27.1 cm (10.7 in) |
| Weight | 233.0333333333333 g (8.22 oz) | 208.16666666666666 g (7.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Kittlitz's Murrelet
Least Concern
Ancient Murrelet
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.
Ancient Murrelet
Ancient Murrelet, 24–27 cm, breeds in burrows on North Pacific islands from British Columbia to Japan. Black hood, grey back, white underparts with yellow bill. Nocturnal at colonies to avoid predators. Chicks lead-march to sea within days of hatching — abandoning the nest very early. Planktivore and piscivore.