Scripps's Murrelet vs Craveri's Murrelet

In short

Scripps's Murrelet and Craveri's Murrelet are similar small alcids, but they can be distinguished by facial markings and underwing color. Craveri's Murrelet has black extending to just under the bill and dusky underwing coverts, while Scripps's Murrelet has a white chin and white underwing coverts.

Identification tips

• Facial Markings: Look for the black extending under the bill in Craveri's Murrelet; Scripps's has a white chin.
• Underwing Color: Craveri's has dusky underwing coverts, whereas Scripps's has white.
• Breast Spur: Craveri's shows a dark spur on the sides of the breast.
• Location: Consider the breeding location and season, as they have distinct ranges but can overlap at sea.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small murrelets.

Plumage

Craveri's Murrelet has black on the side of the face extending to just under the bill and a dark spur on the sides of the breast. Its underwing coverts are dusky. Scripps's Murrelet has a white chin and white underwing coverts.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar behaviors, including highly precocial posthatching development, with chicks leaving the nest shortly after hatching to follow parents to sea.

Habitat

Scripps's Murrelet breeds primarily on the Channel Islands and Baja California, while Craveri's Murrelet breeds in the Sea of Cortez and occasionally off Baja California. Both species can overlap in the non-breeding season in southern California waters.