Numerous islands in Gulf of California (north to Consag Rock), and probably islands along Pacific coast of Baja California north to San Benito. Winters at sea in Gulf of California and along coasts north to southern California (Monterey Bay) and south to Sonora.
Population
Estimated population is 9,000 - 15,000 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Predation by cats and rats are the main threat. Pollution, gill-net fishing are further threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Small fish.
Voice
Generally silent away from colonies. A shrill whistle, sometimes given as a series.
Craveri's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus craveri) [XC615040]
by Paul Marvin from Bahia de Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico (call)
Craveri's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus craveri) [XC166588]
by Sue Riffe from Close to Isla San Pedro Martir, Mexico (call)
Subspecies
Sometimes placed in Brachyramphus. May be conspecific with Xantus's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus), but little evidence of hybridization in San Benito Is, where both breed.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Xantus's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus) which lacks partial breast-band and black extending under bill, and has white underwing linings and shortish, stout bill.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet