Long-billed Murrelet vs Spectacled Guillemot

In short

The bill shape is the most reliable way to differentiate these two species: the Long-billed Murrelet has a notably long and slender bill, while the Spectacled Guillemot has a shorter, stouter bill. Additionally, the Spectacled Guillemot is distinguished by its unique facial markings, which are absent in the Long-billed Murrelet.

Identification tips

• Bill shape: Look for the long, slender bill of the Long-billed Murrelet versus the shorter, stouter bill of the Spectacled Guillemot.
• Facial markings: The Spectacled Guillemot has white 'spectacles' around its eyes, a feature not seen in the Long-billed Murrelet.

Plumage

The Spectacled Guillemot features distinctive white 'spectacles' around its eyes, which are not present in the Long-billed Murrelet.