Scripps'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
Northeast Pacific (California Current)
Typical Environment
This species breeds on rocky offshore islands and islets off southern California and northwestern Baja California, using crevices, caves, and dense shrubs for cover. At sea it occupies pelagic waters over the continental shelf and shelf break, often near upwelling zones where prey is concentrated. Birds disperse widely after breeding, ranging along the California Current and occasionally farther north in cooler-water periods. They avoid nearshore surf zones when with chicks, moving quickly to offshore waters. Colony attendance is strictly nocturnal to reduce predation risk.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Scripps's murrelet is a small, nocturnal-nesting auk of the California Current, split taxonomically from the Guadalupe murrelet in the 2010s. It breeds on predator-free or predator-managed offshore islands and returns to colonies only under cover of darkness. Chicks depart the nest and go to sea with their parents within one or two nights of hatching. Major threats include introduced mammals at nesting sites, oil spills along busy shipping routes, light pollution, and prey fluctuations tied to ocean warming.
Scripps's murrelet chicks leave the nest for the ocean at just two days old.
Temperament
wary and crepuscular-nocturnal near colonies; social at sea
Flight Pattern
low over the water with very rapid wingbeats; strong, direct flier
Social Behavior
Nests in loose colonies on islands, typically in pairs that use rock crevices or cavities. Adults visit colonies only at night, exchanging incubation duties quietly to avoid predators. Clutches are usually two eggs, and downy chicks depart to sea within 1–2 nights, guided by parental calls. Outside breeding, birds gather in small flocks over rich feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Mostly silent at sea, but around colonies gives sharp whistles, trills, and chatter-like calls at night. Vocal exchanges are brief and subdued, aiding pair coordination while minimizing detection by predators.
