Bird of the day
Ancient murrelet
Synthliboramphus antiquus
The ancient murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus) is a bird in the auk family. The English term "murrelet" is a diminutive of "murre", a word of uncertain origins, but which may imitate the call of the common guillemot. Ancient murrelets are called "ancient" because they have grey on the back like a shawl, as worn by the elderly.
This small auk species is black on the head, throat and rear neck, grey-backed, and has white underparts. The yellow bill is short and stubby. It has a small rounded black tail. The summer adults have white head streaks giving an aged look and leading to the English name. Other plumages are similar, but lack the crown streaks and black on the throat.
Ancient murrelets tend to bank from side to side in flight to a greater extent than other small auks. They fly with fast wing beats due to their short wings.
Measurements:
Length: 7.9–9.4 in (20–24 cm)
Weight: 5.4–8.8 oz (150–250 g)
Wingspan: 17.7–18.1 in (45–46 cm)
Aliases
Synthliboramphus antiquus
Range
