The Guadalupe murrelet or Xantus's murrelet is a small seabird found in the California Current system in the Pacific Ocean. This auk breeds on islands off California and Mexico. It is threatened by predators introduced to its breeding colonies and by oil spills.
Region
California Current, Northeast Pacific
Typical Environment
Breeds on Guadalupe and San Benito islands off the Pacific coast of Baja California. Outside the breeding season it disperses widely within the California Current, ranging north into Southern California waters. It nests in rock crevices, talus, and under dense vegetation on steep coastal slopes and sea cliffs. At sea it frequents shelf edges, fronts, and upwelling zones, usually within tens of kilometers of the coast.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Guadalupe murrelet is a small, nocturnal-visiting auk that breeds mainly on Guadalupe and San Benito islands off Baja California, Mexico. At sea it is elusive, often forming small rafts and feeding in productive upwelling zones of the California Current. Predation by introduced mammals and the risk of oil spills have been major threats; biosecurity and colony restoration have improved breeding success in some sites.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
fast, low over water with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms small rafts at sea and attends colonies only at night to avoid predators. Typically nests in crevices or burrows, laying a small clutch that both parents incubate. Pairs are monogamous and show high nest-site fidelity.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives high-pitched, wheezy whistles and soft chatters under cover of darkness. Calls are most frequent during nocturnal approaches and exchanges between mates.
Plumage
Clean blackish upperparts with crisp white underparts; contrasting white scapular bars and largely white underwing coverts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small schooling fishes such as anchovies and sardines, as well as fish larvae. It also takes krill and small squid when available. Prey are captured by pursuit-diving, using the wings to swim underwater.
Preferred Environment
Forages in coastal and offshore waters influenced by upwelling, fronts, and shelf breaks. Often feeds near the surface but will dive to moderate depths where prey is concentrated.
