Synthliboramphus

Synthliboramphus is a genus of birds in the family Alcidae, commonly known as the murrelets. The genus contains four species, all of which are native to the Pacific Ocean.

Description

Species in the genus Synthliboramphus are small, compact seabirds with a length of 25–30 cm. They have a dark upper body and a white underbody, with a distinctive white face and dark cap. The wings are short and pointed, adapted for fast flight and diving.

Distribution and habitat

Synthliboramphus murrelets are found in the North Pacific, from the coast of California to the Bering Sea and Japan. They are pelagic birds, spending most of their lives at sea, only coming to land to breed. Their preferred breeding habitats are rocky islands and cliffs.

Behavior

Synthliboramphus murrelets are nocturnal at the breeding sites to avoid predators. They lay one or two eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The chicks are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching to go to sea.

Conservation

Some species in the genus Synthliboramphus are considered threatened due to habitat loss, oil spills, and predation by introduced species. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and predator control.

Species

The genus Synthliboramphus includes the following species:

• Ancient murrelet, Synthliboramphus antiquus
• Scripps's murrelet, Synthliboramphus scrippsi
• Guadalupe murrelet, Synthliboramphus hypoleucus
• Craveri's murrelet, Synthliboramphus craveri

File:Synthliboramphus antiquus.jpg

Ancient murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus)

See also

• List of birds
• Alcidae
• Seabird

References

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