ML104651771
Bidragsyter
Dato
Lokalitet
- Alder
- Ikke spesifisert
- Kjønn
- Ikke spesifisert
Observasjonsdetaljer
The Long-billed Murrelet (LBMU) was floating on the surface of the ocean within a meter or two of a nearly full alternate plumaged Marbled Murrelets (MAMU). The proximity of the MAMU gave a great comparison of the two species. The LBMU appeared to be the same size as the MAMU and was molting from an alternate to a basic plumage. Generally, the back of the bird was darkish brown and the underside was light. The top of the head, back of the neck, mantle, and upper tail were brown to dark brown. The chin and throat were light to white. The breast was light/white with some light brown mottling in the lower areas which was left over from its alternate plumage. When studying the head and neck area I focused on three field marks. The crisp clean demarcation of light and dark down the side of the neck (no collar around the neck), the lack of dark cap extending well below the eye, and the two light oval patches on the nape or back of head. The demarcation of light and dark beginning at the base of the bill, across just under the eye, and turned down the side of the neck was clear and abrupt. There was no collar or dark cap extending well under the eye. The bird was often seen swimming directly away from the boat and the two light patches or ovals on the nape were clearly visible. There were some light feathers in the scapular area that contrasted with the dark mantle and wings. The mantle, upper tail coverts, and tail were brown. The under tail coverts were light. All of the flight feathers and under wing coverts were dark. They were seen when the bird would dive. From what I could see it appeared the bird had all or most of its flight feathers but in never took flight. It would dive and swim underwater to evade us. The bill was dark to black and the feet were dark.
Teknisk informasjon
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