Craveri's Murrelet
Synthliboramphus craveri

At a Glance

Nesting on islands off the west coast of Mexico, this small seabird wanders north irregularly into California's offshore waters in late summer. Its numbers vary, with more seeming to show up in seasons with warmer water temperatures, and in some years not one is found north of the border. In appearance and habits, Craveri's is very similar to Scripps's Murrelet.
Category
Auks, Murres, Puffins, Upright-perching Water Birds
Conservation
Vulnerable
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Open Ocean
Region
California
Behavior
Direct Flight, Rapid Wingbeats
Population
8.000

Range & Identification

Description

8 1/2-10" (22-25 cm). Very similar to Scripps's Murrelet. Craveri's has slightly longer, thinner bill, tends to show a dark wedge extending forward at side of chest, a bit more black reaching chin. Underside of wings mostly dusky, not white (this is hard to see).
Size
About the size of a Crow, About the size of a Mallard or Herring Gull, About the size of a Robin
Color
Black, White
Wing Shape
Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Short

Songs and Calls

In breeding season, a trilling whistle heard near the colony at sea.
Call Type
Chirp/Chip, Whistle

Climate Vulnerability

Conservation Status