Is the Marbled Murrelet a carnivore?

What does a long-billed murrelet look like?

The long-billed murrelet is a small (25 cm long), chunky auk with a slender black bill. It has pointed wings and plumage that varies by season. The non-breeding appearance is typically white underneath with a black crown, nape, wings and back.

Is the Kittlitz’s murrelet endangered?

Acting quickly, we prepare to scoop the second murrelet. Due to substantial, rangewide decline in populations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the Kittlitz’s murrelet (KIMU) as a candidate species under the Endangered Species Act in 2004.

Why does the southwest Alaska network monitor marine birds?

The Southwest Alaska Network monitors marine birds because they are good indicators of ecosystem change. The Southeast Alaska Network monitors Kittlitz’s Murrelets because they are associated with ecosystem change, such as glacial dynamics. The Arctic Network monitors Yellow-billed Loons because it is a rare bird that breeds in Arctic tundra.

What does a long-billed murrelet eat?

It feeds on insects, insect larvae and small fish. It has a swift direct flight, sometimes at great heights. Sexes are similar. Long-billed Murrelet: Small seabird with dark brown upperparts and darker brown barring, paler throat and white eye-ring. Underparts are lighter brown with brown barring. Straight black bill. Legs and feet are brown.

Did you know Alaska is home to migratory birds?

Many people are unaware that Alaska is home to a diverse ecosystem of migratory birds. The sheer size and variety of this land has blessed it with a unique range of habitats that attract numerous bird populations.

What kind of birds can you see in Alaska?

Birds you might see are Arctic tundra swans, Canada geese, white-tailed eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes, mallards and ruddy ducks. The coastal waters around Anchorage during winter are also good for seabirds like murres and kittiwakes. Lets look at some of the fascinating birds of Alaska in more detail:

What does ancient murrelet stand for?

The ancient murrelet ( Synthliboramphus antiquus) is a bird in the auk family. The genus name Synthliboramphus is from Ancient Greek sunthlibo, “to compress”, and rhamphos, “bill”, and antiquus is Latin for ancient.

What are the threats to the Kittlitz murrelet?

Possible threats to the Kittlitz’s murrelet include a decrease in prey availability, climate change, bycatch in fisheries, and oil spill contamination. There is some concern that this species may be competing with commercial fisheries for some of their prey species.

Do Kittlitz murrelets nest in colonies?

Kittlitz’s murrelets do not nest in colonies unlike 98% of other seabirds. The Kittlitz’s murrelet is a small, stocky seabird with a relatively large head and short bill and tail. There are no known measureable differences in appearance between females and males.

What habitat do murrelets live in?

Their breeding habitat is rocky treeless slopes and mountains, often associated with glaciers. Kittlitz’s murrelets forage during the summer months in the cold nearshore marine waters of their breeding areas.

What does a Kittlitz murrelet look like in flight?

In flight the Kittlitz’s murrelet appears small and fast with very rapid wing beats; it usually flies low to the water. The Kittlitz’s murrelet can be confused with the marbled murrelet, a species similar in size and plumage.

Why are there so many mosquitoes in Alaska?

Mosquitoes are rather relentless in Alaska, and many people are left wondering why there are so many of them in this state. It is a common concern when the wind has dropped and the endless summer heat of the sun takes over. Thus, the ponds are no longer the frozen tundra it once was.

What birds hold their tails upright?

Several species often hold their tails upright. The mimids are a family of passerine birds which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors.

How are Scientists using UAS to study coastal and wetland environments?

Scientists at the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center have been using UASs to acquire imagery of coastal and wetland environments, which is then used to produce detailed topographic and visual reflectance datasets.

How far north are birds shifting their wintering grounds?

Long-term studies have found that bird species in North America have shifted their wintering grounds northward by an average of more than 40 miles since 1966, with several species shifting by hundreds of miles.

How can fishing vessels reduce seabird mortality due to bycatch?

In recent years, fishing vessels in the North American fleet have made important strides in reducing seabird mortality from bycatch thanks to research and new safety techniques promoted by the NMFS Office of Sustainable Fisheries.

What do Penguins and murres have in common?

Their bodies are heavy and relatively large. These birds also have slender, pointed wings and short tails. Adults have a pale throat and face including a black line behind the eye. In appearance, common murres and penguins are fairly similar. These are deep-diving seabirds that feed on crustaceans and fish.

What do red-necked avocet eat?

Unlike other species of avocet, the Red-Necked Avocet is not recorded to stir the mud with their bill in search of food. Instead, they sweep their bill back and forth under the water in search of brine shrimps and annelid worms. They’ve also been seen pecking or jabbing at larger prey items such as fish. 22. Far Eastern Curlew

Did you know Texas is a critical spot for migratory birds?

Did you know that the coast of Texas is a critical spot for migratory birds in the U.S. and Canada? The Migratory Connectivity Project journeys to Mad Island, Texas annually to study songbirds returning from their tropical wintering grounds and share this experience with local schoolchildren.

What is the best Alaskan bird to see?

One of more than a dozen different species of Alaskan ducks found in the state’s many lakes and rivers, the Barrow’s Goldeneye rivals the Harlequin Duck among our favorite Alaskan birds.