Common Murre

Auks 👁 163 views Updated 2026-11-01

Common Murre (<em>Uria aalge</em>) is a species of Auks (<em>Alcidae</em>) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids.

Overview

Common Murre (Uria aalge) is a species of Auks (Alcidae) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids. A black-and-white seabird standing upright on cliffs like a penguin; lays a single pear-shaped egg on bare ledges; dives deep for fish; forms enormous dense colonies.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Uria; binomial: Uria aalge; authority: (Pontoppidan, 1763). Typical size: 38-46cm. Average lifespan: 10-25 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Nearctic and the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: to Virginia in Gulf Stream (w North Atlantic); to Iberian Pen. (e North Atlantic); to n Japan (w North Pacific); to nw Baja California (nw Mexico; e North Pacific).

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.

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