Greater Farallones

A bird swims with a fish in its mouth

Photo: Douglas Croft

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Common Murre

Hundreds of thousands of birds flock to Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary to feed in the sanctuary’s rich waters and nest in the rocky Farallon Islands. Among them is the common murre, the most abundant breeding seabird in northern and central California. These penguin-like birds nest close together on slopes and cliffs.

A world map highlighting The east and west coasts of the United States and Canada

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Uria aalge

DIET: Primarily small fish and krill; also squid and marine worms

WINGSPAN: Average 26 inches

CLUTCH SIZE: 1 egg

THREATS: Oil spills, fishing bycatch, human disturbance

STATUS: Abundant

FUN FACT: Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Seabird Protection Network helps boaters, hikers, paddlers, and aviators keep seabirds safe.