Long-billed Murrelet
Brachyramphus perdix
长嘴斑海雀
Introduction
Small seabird in the auk family, restricted to the North Pacific. Unlike most auks that nest in coastal colonies, this species nests far inland in old-growth forests. Previously considered a subspecies of the marbled murrelet until 1998, when genetic studies resulted in its elevation to full species status. mtDNA variation between this species and the marbled murrelet exceeds that between the marbled murrelet and Kittlitz's murrelet. Population declines have been documented across its range.
Description
This is a small, chunky auk measuring 25 centimeters in length with a wingspan of 43 centimeters and weighing approximately 310 grams. It has a distinctive slender black bill that sets it apart from related species. The wings are pointed, and the plumage varies considerably between seasons. Non-breeding birds appear predominantly white underneath with a black crown, nape, wings, and back. In breeding plumage, the bird is mainly brown overall, with pale feather edges creating a scaly appearance; the central underparts, typically hidden when swimming, are white.
Identification
This species closely resembles the marbled murrelet but can be distinguished by several key features. It has a longer bill, is slightly larger in body size, and weighs about 20% more. A diagnostic feature is the white eye ring, visible at close range. In breeding plumage, it shows a pale throat that is absent in the marbled murrelet, and displays weaker scaling due to fewer rusty and buff feather markings. In winter plumage, it lacks the white collar characteristic of the marbled murrelet. These subtle differences require careful observation, and experienced birders often rely on the combination of larger size, longer bill, and overall structure for positive identification.
Distribution & Habitat
This species breeds from Kamchatka through the Sea of Okhotsk region in the North Pacific. During winter, most birds migrate to the seas around northern Japan, with some individuals reaching South Korea and southern Japan. Unlike the marbled murrelet, which tends to remain closer to its breeding grounds year-round, this species demonstrates more extensive migratory movements. The species is also unusually prone to vagrancy, with scattered records across North America and Europe, including inland locations hundreds of kilometers from the coast.
Behavior & Ecology
At sea, this bird feeds principally on small fish in both offshore pelagic areas, often associating with upwelling zones, and in protected inshore bays. It tends to migrate more extensively than its close relative, the marbled murrelet. The breeding behavior is highly unusual for a seabird, as it does not nest in colonies or necessarily close to the coastline. Instead, it nests on branches of old-growth conifer trees, laying a single egg on thick lichen or moss-covered branches or in hollows. The egg is incubated for approximately one month, and the chick is then fed for around 40 days until it fledges and flies unaccompanied to the sea.
Conservation
This species is considered globally threatened, having declined across its entire range over recent decades. The primary threat is the loss of old-growth forest habitat due to logging, which directly impacts nesting success. Additional mortality occurs through entanglement in fishing gear. Potential future threats include oil development activities on the Okhotsk and Bering Sea shelves. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining old-growth forest habitat and implementing sustainable fishing practices to reduce bycatch.
Culture
This species has gained attention among the birdwatching community due to its rarity as a vagrant in unexpected locations. The second Western Palearctic record, found at Dawlish Warren in Devon, England on November 7, 2006, attracted an estimated 1,000 or more birders who traveled from as far afield as Edinburgh and even the Netherlands to observe this lost seabird. The bird remained until November 14, creating a significant birdwatching event. Prior to this, the first European record was a first-winter individual found drowned in a fishing net at Lake Zurich, Switzerland in December 1997, now preserved as a specimen. Such vagrant occurrences, though tragic for the individual birds, provide rare opportunities for European birders to observe this Pacific specialist.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Alcidae
- Genus
- Brachyramphus
- eBird Code
- lobmur
Distribution
breeds coastal strip up to 30 km inland in Kamchatka, Sea of Okhotsk, Sakhalin (eastern Russia), and northern Hokkaido (northern Japan); winters to coastal central Japan; prone to long-distance vagrancy to continental USA
Data Sources
CBR Notes: 中文名由斑海雀改为长嘴斑海雀
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.