Species profile
About this species
The Thick-billed Murre is a large seabird belonging to the auk family, characterised by its black upperparts, white underparts, & a distinctive white line along the cutting edge of its thick, compressed bill. It breeds in vast, noisy colonies on sheer cliff ledges in Arctic & sub-Arctic regions, often alongside Common Murres. It is an exceptional diver, capable of reaching depths of over 200 metres in pursuit of fish & invertebrates.
Open ocean & rocky Arctic & sub-Arctic coastal cliffs; breeds on exposed cliff ledges & winters at sea on cold northern waters
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Thick-billed Murre with us in Iceland & Norway.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Alison Jenkins & Robin Lowry helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Late spring to mid-summer (May to July) during the breeding season, when colonies are at their most active; early morning offers the best light & most lively behaviour
Visit large breeding colonies during summer for close-range shots of birds on cliff ledges, using a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to isolate individuals against the rock face. Shooting from a boat at sea allows dramatic low-angle compositions with birds diving & surfacing, so use a fast shutter speed of 1/2000s or higher to freeze motion on the water. Early morning light at colony sites provides warm, directional illumination that brings out the contrast between the bird's black & white plumage.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Thick-billed Murre
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.