The Kittlitz’s Murrelet is known to be one of the rarest breeding birds in the North Pacific. Not much has been published or recorded on the birds biology because it is very hard to access and study and it is rarely seen. These birds have short bills which share the brown color of their feet and legs. The plumage of this species varies depending on the season. During the breeding season the birds blend in to their barren habitat with a brownish white upper part and a dominantly white lower part of their plumage. |
According to the IUCN Red List, Kittlitz’s Murrelet, are a critically endangered species. Threats that contribute to the decreasing trends in the population include habitat loss, habitat degradation, oil spills, and a possible link between changing climates has been noticed. According to Arkive.org, between 7 and 15 percent of the murrelet population inhabiting Alaska was wiped out due to the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989. Conservation plans have been proposed, but further information is needed before action is taken. The population trends of this species are decreasing. The population in Alaska is estimated to be at 19,578 placing the global population between 20,000-40,000 individuals. The status of the species has been critically endangered since 2004.