The common murre, often likened to a flying penguin due to its sleek black-and-white appearance, possesses remarkable agility both in the air and underwater. Despite its seemingly awkward physique, this seabird is adept at swift and powerful flight, allowing it to traverse vast distances over the open ocean with ease. Its streamlined body and strong wings enable it to soar effortlessly above the waves, a sight often observed near offshore islands and along rocky sea cliffs.
While the common murre’s flight prowess is impressive, it is perhaps most remarkable for its remarkable underwater hunting abilities. With unparalleled dexterity and precision, the common murre dives beneath the waves in pursuit of its prey, demonstrating incredible agility and maneuverability as it navigates the underwater realm in search of sustenance.
Nesting primarily on coastal cliffs and occasionally on flat islands, the common murre selects precarious ledges and crevices as nesting sites, providing protection from predators and access to prime fishing grounds. During the breeding season, these colonies buzz with activity as mated pairs engage in courtship displays, territorial disputes, and the vital task of rearing their young.
Throughout the year, the common murre’s diet consists primarily of fish, with preferred prey species varying depending on factors such as location and seasonal availability. In addition to fish, the common murre also consumes a variety of invertebrates, including crabs, mollusks, sea worms, and fish eggs, supplementing its diet with these protein-rich resources as needed.
The abundance of food sources plays a crucial role in determining the common murre’s distribution and behavior, with large congregations of birds often found in areas where prey is plentiful. These feeding aggregations serve as vital hubs of activity, attracting numerous individuals and facilitating social interactions among members of the species.
Distribution
Algeria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Cape Verde
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Gambia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greenland
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Korea
Latvia
Lithuania
Malta
Mauritania
Mexico
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
North Korea
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Saint Pierre
Senegal
Spain
Svalbard
Sweden
Switzerland
Tunisia
United Kingdom
United StatesAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Colony
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
