Poor ocean conditions increase risks for marbled murrelet chicks

By Erick León

Source publication/update: October 20, 2026.

Marbled murrelet chicks face longer exposure to predators when poor ocean conditions affect food availability, according to research highlighted by Oregon State University.

The study in Ornithology examined 18 nests over four years using more than 12,000 hours of observations. Under poor conditions, chicks took approximately 25 percent longer to leave their nests, extending that period by roughly eight days.

The findings connect marine feeding conditions with risks in forest nesting habitat. Conservation decisions therefore need to consider both environments, according to the researchers.

Source: Official announcement and further information.

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