How to identify the Common Murre

To correctly identify the Common Murre (Uria aalge), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

40-48 cm (16-19 in)

Wingspan

61-73 cm (24-29 in)

Weight

850-1200 g (1.9-2.6 lbs)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adult breeding plumage is characterized by a dark chocolate-brown (almost black) head, neck, back, and upperwings, contrasting sharply with a pure white belly and flanks. A distinct white stripe extends from the rear of the eye in birds of the 'bridled' form (U. a. aalge, U. a. albionis, U. a. hyperborea subspecies). Non-breeding plumage is similar but the chin and throat become white, and a dark line extends back from the eye, often referred to as the 'gular stripe'.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   A slender, pointed, dagger-like bill, dark horn-colored. Specialized for grasping small fish.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown, often appearing black. In the bridled morph, a thin white line encircles the eye and extends as a variable 'bridle' mark behind it.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black, webbed feet positioned far back on the body, ideal for swimming and diving.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Upright posture on land suggesting a small penguin. In flight, wings are small and rapidly beating. Dark brown upperparts, white underparts, and slender pointed bill are key. Bridled form (with white eye-ring and post-ocular stripe) is a distinctive but geographically variable trait.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but are generally smaller, often with a slightly shorter and more pointed bill, and a less defined dark throat stripe initially. Their upperparts are usually duller brown. Fledglings are smaller versions of flightless adults, often with downy remnants.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   The most notable change is in head and neck coloration. In breeding plumage, the head and neck are dark brown. In non-breeding plumage (winter), the throat and cheeks become white, creating a distinct white 'bib' and a dark line running through the eye and across the cheek. The rest of the body plumage remains largely consistent.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Minimal; males and females are visually identical in plumage and size. Field identification of sexes is not possible.

Key field marks

• Plumage Coloration. Look for the sharp contrast between the dark chocolate-brown (breeding) or blackish-brown (non-breeding) upperparts and pure white underparts. Note the extent of dark on the head and neck in breeding plumage versus the white 'bib' and dark eye-stripe in non-breeding plumage.
• Bill Shape. Observe the slender, pointed, dagger-like bill. This helps distinguish it from the thicker-billed murre and the heavy, compressed bill of a Razorbill.
• Posture. On land, they stand very upright, giving them a typical penguin-like stance.
• Flight. Fast, direct flight with rapid wing beats. They fly low over the water.
• Bridled Morph (where present). In some populations (e.g., North Atlantic), look for a fine white ring around the eye that extends as a thin white line behind the eye. This 'bridle' is diagnostic for individuals that possess it, but many Common Murres lack it.

Explore the Common Murre