kaliforniastarik Synthliboramphus scrippsi

Small seabird, black above and white below. Breeds on rocky islands; otherwise found in warm offshore waters. Often seen in pairs on the water; frequently dives in search of fish. Short, thin bill. Very similar to Craveri's Murrelet; best separated by white, not gray, underwings. Once considered the same species as the similar Mexican cousin, the Guadalupe Murrelet, but now split into separate species. Guadalupe Murrelet has more white on the face, especially in front of the eye.