Common murre
Uria aalge
The common murre or common guillemot (Uria aalge) is a large auk, one of several species called murre or guillemot.
About the Common murre
The common murre or common guillemot (Uria aalge) is a large auk, one of several species called murre or guillemot. It has a circumpolar distribution, occurring in low-Arctic and boreal waters in the North Atlantic and North Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea, only coming to land to breed on rocky cliff shores or islands. Common murres are fast in direct flight but are not very agile. They are highly mobile underwater using their wings to 'fly' through the water column, where they typically dive to depths of 30–60 m (100–195 ft). Depths of up to 180 m (590 ft) have been recorded. Common murres breed in colonies at high densities. Nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. They make no nest; their single egg is incubated between the adult's feet on a bare rock led
Fun Facts About Common murre
- The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left.
- Some 20 days after hatching, the chick leaves its nesting ledge and heads for the sea, unable to fly, but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings, accompanied by its male parent.
- Both male and female common murres moult after breeding and become flightless for 1–2 months.
- They are highly mobile underwater using their wings to 'fly' through the water column, where they typically dive to depths of 30–60 m (100–195 ft).
- The chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days.
Conservation Status
The Common murre is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Uria |
| Species | Uria aalge |
Range & Habitat
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Other species in the Alcidae family: