What does the Common Murre eat?

The Common Murre's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Primarily small to medium-sized fish (e.g., sandlance, capelin, herring, cod fry) caught by pursuit-diving. Also consumes marine invertebrates like squid and crustaceans, particularly during non-breeding seasons or when fish are scarce.

How it forages

Highly adept pursuit-divers. They propel themselves underwater using their powerful wings, capable of diving to depths exceeding 100 meters (330 feet), with average dives lasting 1-2 minutes. They typically swallow prey whole underwater. Forages individually or in small groups, sometimes associating with other seabirds.

When it feeds

Diurnal, active during daylight hours for foraging and colonial interactions.

Explore the Common Murre