This large auk sits upright on sea cliffs, looking like a northern version of a penguin. It swims and dives expertly, but its flight appears labored. For its size, the Common Murre has the most densely packed nesting colonies of any bird species; nests may be so close together that incubating adults are actually touching other adults on both sides. First breeds at age of 4-5 years and then only one egg per year. Nest site is on cliff ledge or on flat stony surface near water. These birds forage while swimming underwater. They dive to more than 150′ below surface when foraging.
.Photos taken at Bird Island, Sitka, Alaska.
Birds by Dave 