Steve and Tweeters,

According to the 6th Edition (2002) of the ABA Checklist, there
are NO certain inland records (i.e., more than 40 miles or so from
saltwater) of Marbled Murrelet ANYWHERE.

If this is correct, and given the difficulties in ID that you
pointed out, is it not more likely that the Sullivan's murrelet near
Wanapum State Park was actually a LONG-BILLED MURRELET
and not a MARBLED MURRELET?

Sincerely,

Wayne C. Weber
Delta, BC
contopus at telus.net



----- Original Message -----
From: <sgmlod at aol.com>
To: <Tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 2:23 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] Murrelet ID


Greetings All

Alternate plumaged Marbled/Long-billed Murrelet ID is extremely difficult.
An article by Nick Lethaby a few years back should be reviewed by all
interested folks. It was in Birding. Also, a recent (1-2 years) article in
Western Birds focusing on the utility of the underwing pattern is worth a
read.

The bill length is very difficult to use in the field, and may not be
reliable without direct comparison.

There is no consistent posture difference between LBMU and MAMU. The fact is
that most photographed LBMUs are being pursued when photographed, and thus
have their necks in a stretched/alert position.

A distinctly paler throat is more characteristic of LBMU than MAMU, though
to some extent, this is a subjective mark.

An alternate plumaged MAMU should still show some degree of a collar if seen
reasonably well

LBMUs can have entirely dark underwings.

Best Wishes and Good Cheer
Steven Mlodinow