About Synthliboramphus scrippsi (Green & Arnold, 1939)
Body and Bill Morphology
This species is a small black-and-white auk with a small head and a thin, sharp bill.
Related Species and Range Distinction
It closely resembles the related Craveri's murrelet, and both species share the distinction of being the southernmost-living of all auk species.
California Breeding Colonies
It breeds on islands in California's Channel Islands, with the largest colonies located on the Coronado Islands and Santa Barbara Island.
Baja California Breeding Range
It also breeds on several islands off Baja California, including Isla Guadalupe.
Post-breeding Dispersal
After the breeding season, it disperses northward out to sea, typically staying in offshore waters as far north as British Columbia.
