I recently noticed that the winter plumage of Ancient Murrelet as depicted
in the National Geographic Guide (including the 4th edition) shows a good
deal of black on the throat, extending down to the upper breast, and not
greatly dissimilar from the summer plumage. In summer plumage the white
along the side of the neck curls over in a pattern that reminds me of a
"paisley" shape. In the Nat Geo guide this pattern of white is maintained.

In all my other references, both drawings and photos, the winter plumage is
much different than in the Nat Geo guide. They show black on the throat
only, with loss of the "paisley" pattern of white on the neck. Did Nat Geo
get it wrong, or is there this much variation in winter plumage? With all
the sightings in the area this winter, this seems like a good time to
address this question.

Good birding,

Jack Stephens
Edmonds, WA
jstephens62 at attbi.com