Habitat
Nests on coastal cliffs, and barren ground, rock ledges, and talus above timberline in coastal mountains, generally near glaciers (AOU 1983), 0.25 to 75 kilometers inland (Piatt et al. 1999). Nests generally on ground on barren scree slopes, short distance below peak or ridge (Day et al. 1983, Day 1995, Piatt et al. 1999). Breeding generally occurs in high elevation alpine areas, with little or no vegetative cover. When present, vegetation is primarily comprised of lichens and mosses (Day et al. 1993).
References
AOU. 1983. Check-list of North American birds. 6th ed.American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington D. C.
Day, R.H. 1995. New information on Kittlitz’s Murrelet nests. The Condor 97:271-273.
Day, R.H., K.L. Oakley and D.R. Barnard. 1983. Nest sites and eggs of Kittlitz’s and Marbled Murrelets. Condor 85(3):265-273.
Piatt, J. F., N. L. Naslund and T. I. van Pelt. 1999. Discovery of a new Kittlitz’s Murrelet nest: clues to habitat selection and nest-site fidelity. Northwest Nat. 80:8-13.
