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mroper | all galleries >> birds >> misc_water_birds > Common and Thick-billed Murre
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04-AUG-2007

Common and Thick-billed Murre

Seward Alaska boat trip

I had to call in the experts to ID these birds. Thanks Scott
Birds 1,2 and 10 for sure are TBMU and possibly 7 but can't be sure on that one. Here are three main traits that all TBMU is breeding plumage have, the first trait all TBMU in all plumages have. 1. A decurved upper culmen, instead of a straight culmen like in commons, thick-billed have curved upper culmen giving them a short-stubby bill appearance. Birds 1 and 10 clearly show this.
2. Most TBMU have a large white gape line leading from the bill back into the mouth. Birds 1 and two have this for sure. COMU can have this, but usually found in TBMU.
3. A COMU head is all chocolate brown. a TBMU had a bluish black crown on the head which contrasts with the brownish face. This is readily apparent in bird number 2, notice the top of the head and then a color line just above the eye.
I also just for extra double measure since this was a new bird for you shared this with Charlie Wright, he agreed with birds 1,2 and 10 all being TBMU.

Scott Downes

Nikon D200 ,Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR AF
1/320s f/5.3 at 330.0mm iso800 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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