Thick-billed Mures: A Unique Aviator

In Lancaster Sound, thick-billed mures gather for a spring fish feast. Despite their mediocre flight abilities due to small wings and large bodies, these birds excel underwater. They can dive up to 300 feet and stay submerged for three minutes. Their ascent is spectacular, as trapped air in their feathers creates a bubble trail, showcasing their true aviator skills underwater.

What is the primary reason thick-billed mures gather in Lancaster Sound?

• To build nests

• To migrate to warmer regions

• For their annual spring-fling fish fest

• To escape predators

How do the physical characteristics of thick-billed mures affect their flying abilities?

• Their large wings and large bodies make them slow

• They have no wings, relying on gliding

• Their small wings and large bodies make flying challenging

• They have large wings and small bodies, making them agile

To what depth can thick-billed mures dive underwater?

• 400 feet

• 300 feet

• 200 feet

• 100 feet

How long can thick-billed mures stay underwater during their dives?

• Up to four minutes

• Up to two minutes

• Up to one minute

• Up to three minutes

What happens to the air trapped in the mures' feathers during their ascent?

• It causes them to sink

• It allows them to glide

• It makes them float

• It expands, helping them rocket to the surface

What unique flying ability do thick-billed mures exhibit?

• They fly at high altitudes

• They can fly backwards

• They perform their best flying underwater

• They can hover in place