Alcids
Sixteen of the world’s 23 species of alcids breed in Alaska and one, the Long-billed Murrelet, occurs as a vagrant.
Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus, Tern Lake, Kenai Peninsula, 28 May 2007.
This is a very strange location for a Marbled Murrelet. They nest in tall old-growth conifers along the coast of the Kenai Peninsula, but it is very unusual to find them on fresh water, especially this far inland.
Kittlitz’s Murrelet Brachyramphus brevirostris, Dutch Harbor, 12 June 2005.
This photo is of two Kittlitz’s Murrelets which are mostly in winter plumage, but have begun to shift to their breeding plumage. In this plumage they are easily told from Marbled Murrelets by the white face which completely encircles the eye. Also note the shorter bill of the Kittlitz and the more extensive feathering at the base of it. This is a key feature for seperating these species in breeding plumage.
Kittlitz’s Murrelet, Dutch Harbor, 11 June 2005.
In breeding plumage this Kittlitz’s Murrelet is told from Marbled by the light brown coloration over-all. There is also a light golden dappling on the upperparts. Note the very small bill and lack of a dark cap.
Kittlitz’s (left) and Marbled Murrelet (right), Dutch Harbor, 11 June 2005.
The photo is poor, but in it you can see the bill length difference. Also note the dark mantle and cap of the Marbled Murrelet. Both the mantle and the cap of the Marbled Murrelet lack the light dappled patterning of the Kittlitz’s. Because the Kittlitz’s lacks the solid dark cap, it’s dark eye usually tends to stand out more than the eye of the Marbled. This is especially true in bright light.
