The Japanese Murrelet is a rare and endangered small seabird endemic to coastal waters of Japan and South Korea, characterized by its distinctive double crest during breeding season.
Where to spot
Endemic to coastal waters and offshore islands of Japan and South Korea.
How to spot
Extremely difficult to observe due to its rarity and secretive nocturnal habits at colonies. Look for its distinctive double crest and dark cap contrasting with white underparts, but often only seen briefly on the water or in flight.
When to spot
Best observed during the breeding season (February-June) near its island colonies. Can be seen at sea year-round in its limited range.
Where to spot
Endemic to coastal waters and offshore islands of Japan and South Korea.
How to spot
Extremely difficult to observe due to its rarity and secretive nocturnal habits at colonies. Look for its distinctive double crest and dark cap contrasting with white underparts, but often only seen briefly on the water or in flight.
When to spot
Best observed during the breeding season (February-June) near its island colonies. Can be seen at sea year-round in its limited range.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This murrelet nests in small burrows or rock crevices on remote offshore islands, often returning only at night to avoid predators, making its breeding behavior highly secretive.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.