Common Murre

The Common Murre spends most of its life floating on the ocean surface and swim-
ming underwater in pursuit of small, schooling fish. Even during violent winter
storms, Common Murres merely seek out the more sheltered waters of inlets and
bays. This bird is less common along the mainland coast
than it is around coastal islands. The best chance of
seeing a Common Murre is on a ferry ride to
Vancouver Island or from the Iona Island south
jetty. Occasionally, it is also sighted in Burrard
Inlet, from the tip of Lighthouse Marine Park
or from the shores of Stanley Park.
The black-and-white coloration of the Com-
mon Murre is a perfect example of counter-
shading camouflage. To avian predators, the
dark back blends with the dark steely sea,
while marine predators, such as orcas and
sea lions, have difficulty distinguishing
the light-coloured belly of the Common
Murre from the bright, often cloudy sky.

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