Murres
Birds of North America
Uria
Lives, Habitats & Pictures of the Murres
Murres are members of the auk family, in North America there are two species of this seabird. The Common Murre and the sub-specie, the Bridled Common Murre are regarded as the same specie. These two birds are distinguished apart by a white ring around the eyes, which continues to the back of the head of the Bridled Common Murre, whereas the Common Murre has no white marking on its face.
The Thick-billed Murre is the second type. This bird is of a similar size to the Common Murre, with the same black and white colourings. It is told apart, by its larger bill and a white line starting from the corner of its bill to under its eyes. Also, the Thick-billed Murre has a larger head and not as straight of an upright profile as the Common Murre, when they are seen standing.
Murres form huge colonies, that number in the high thousands. These large numbers can be seen in their nesting areas, where the mature murres will be gathered in thousands on the walls of cliffs, and their juveniles, that have not yet reach maturity gather in rafts of thousands in the waters below.
| Click on the bird names listed below to see pictures of Murres in North America | ||
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Bridled Common Murre
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Common Murre
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Thick-billed Murre
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Return Murres back to Seabirds
Return Murres back to Birds of North America
Classic Collection of North American Birds
CCNAB
