Craveri's murrelet is a small seabird which breeds on offshore islands in both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California off the Baja peninsula of Mexico. It also wanders fairly regularly as far as central California in the US, primarily during post-breeding dispersal. It is almost never seen from or near the shore. With an estimated population of 6,000-10,000 breeding pairs, its population is listed as vulnerable.
Region
Eastern North Pacific
Typical Environment
Breeds on rocky offshore islands in the Gulf of California and along the Pacific side of the Baja California Peninsula. At sea it occupies warm pelagic waters, typically far from the mainland, roaming widely after breeding. It is most often detected off boats, especially near current edges and fronts. Post-breeding dispersal regularly reaches offshore waters of southern and central California, USA.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Craveri's murrelet is a small, nocturnal-visiting seabird that nests in rock crevices on remote islands off Baja California and the Gulf of California. After breeding, it disperses northward and can appear well offshore of central California. It is rarely seen from land because it spends almost all of its life far out at sea. Major threats include introduced predators on nesting islands, light pollution, and marine oiling and bycatch.
Craveri's Murrelet north of San Nicholas Island, showing distinct upright tail posture when not in flight
Temperament
wary and pelagic
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups at sea. Breeds in small colonies, nesting in crevices or under rocks, and visits colonies at night to avoid predators. Pairs are monogamous and share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Mostly quiet at sea, but at colonies gives soft, whistled and chattering calls, often in duets between mates. Vocalizations are subdued and typically heard at night near nesting sites.
