The Thick-billed Murre breeds on narrow cliff ledges in enormous colonies in the High Arctic. The thicker bill with a white stripe along the cutting edge is the main field mark. It dives to extraordinary depths — over 700 feet — the deepest authenticated dives of any flying bird. It winters on the open ocean.
Best time to see a Thick-billed Murre
The best time to see a Thick-billed Murre is January–June, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 715 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Thick-billed Murre? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Thick-billed Murre sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Thick-billed Murre? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Thick-billed Murre is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.