Myrrhinidae

The Myrrhinidae is a family of seabirds in the order Procellariiformes. They are small to medium-sized birds with long, slender wings and a distinctive hooked beak. Myrrhinidae are found in the North Pacific Ocean and are closely related to the albatrosses and petrels.

Mimic Nudibranch, Rudman’s Phyllodesmium – Phyllodesmium rudmani

Lizard Island Phyllodesmium – Phyllodesmium lizardense

Translucent Phyllodesmium – Phyllodesmium hyalinum

Kabira Phyllodesmium – Phyllodesmium kabiranum

Coleman’s Phyllodesmium – Phyllodesmium colemani

Nudibranch – Nanuca sebastiani

Hermissenda emurai

Common Names

The family Myrrhinidae is commonly known as the auklets. This name reflects their small size and relatively short wings, making them appear more similar to auks than to other members of the Procellariiformes.

Characteristics

Myrrhinidae are characterized by:

  • Small to medium size, with body lengths ranging from 20 to 35 cm
  • Short, stout bills with a hooked tip
  • Long, narrow wings that are adapted for efficient gliding
  • Webbed feet that are used for swimming and maneuvering in the water
  • A dense, compact body shape that helps to conserve heat in cold waters
  • Dark plumage with white markings on the head and/or underparts

Environments

Myrrhinidae are found in the North Pacific Ocean, particularly along the coasts of North America, Asia, and Russia. They are pelagic birds, meaning they spend most of their time at sea. Auklets are primarily found in coastal waters, but they can also be found further offshore during their foraging trips.

References

For more information about the Myrrhinidae, you can consult the following websites: