The Ancient Murrelet is named for its gray-and-black plumage that resembles an old man's coloring. It nests in burrows on Pacific islands and has an unusual strategy — chicks leave the nest just two days after hatching, before they can fly, and swim out to sea in the dark with their parents. They then spend their lives offshore, rarely approaching land except to breed.
Best time to see a Ancient Murrelet
The best time to see a Ancient Murrelet is November–January, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 631 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Ancient Murrelet? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ancient Murrelet sightings near you
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