The Guadalupe Murrelet is a "new" species, with the Scripp's and Guadalupe Murrelet's recently split (2012) from what was formerly considered one species, the Xantus's Murrelet. They are a very uncommon bird, only found nesting on a handful of islands from Guadalupe Island in the north, to the San Benito Islands in the south. Introduced predators such as rats have devastated some former breeding colonies.
Habitat
Found on a few select islands off the Pacific Coast, using locations with protected nesting sites, such as rocky crevices or vegetative cover. Outside of the breeding season, typically found far from the mainland, sometimes close to nesting islands, but often far out to sea.
Diet
Feeds mostly small fish, but will also feed on small crustaceans and other small marine creatures.
Behavior
Forages by diving and swimming under the water in search of food items. Doesn't feed in flocks or by itself, but is almost always found foraging in pairs.
Nesting
The Guadalupe Murrelet doesn't build a nest. The female lays 2 eggs directly on the ground, typically in a rocky crevice, under a bush, or in another protected area. Both parents help to incubate the eggs. Hatchlings typically leave the nest within a day or so after hatching, often making a perilous leap into the water below. Once in the water, the parents reunite with the young and feed and tend to them.
Song
Call of the Guadalupe Murrelet is a rattling trill.
Migration
Breeds on a few islands from Guadalupe Island in the north to San Benito Islands in the south. Non-breeding birds disperse, with most found off the California or northern Mexican coast.
Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Guadalupe Murrelet sightings
Similar Species
In range, most likely to be confused with Scripp's Murrelet , Craveri's Murrelet, Ancient Murrelet , and Marbled Murrelet.
Conservation Status
Populations have been in a long-term decline. The species has a very small breeding range, and many former breeding colonies have disappeared, largely due to introduced predators on nesting islands, such as rats. The IUCN lists the Xantus's Murrelet as a "Vulnerable" species . (no separate information on Guadalupe Murrelet available at the time this page was created).
Further Information
- eBird - Guadalupe Murrelet
- Audubon Field Guide - Guadalupe Murrelet
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds: Guadalupe Murrelet
2) A udubon Guide - Xantus's Murrelet
3) Wikipedia.org - Guadalupe Murrelet
Photo Information
Photo taken by Marcel Holyoak - September 18th, 2010 - Half Moon Bay, California - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivs 2.0 Generic License
