El Nino Heat Wave Drives Seabird Die-Off in California
A persistent marine heat wave has left thousands of common murres starving along the California coast.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Bird Watching
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A potentially historic El Nino and a persistent marine heat wave off the California coast are harming West Coast wildlife. Pacific Wildlife Care had received more than 800 common murres by mid-October, most in critical condition from starvation.
Why it matters
Warmer waters weaken coastal upwelling, reducing the nutrient-rich food that supports seabirds and fish. Climate change is amplifying these conditions, and ongoing El Nino conditions could further stress seabird populations.
Pacific Wildlife Care has taken in more than 800 common murres as of mid-October, most arriving in critical condition from starvation. The total number of birds affected across the California coast has not been established.
The players
Pacific Wildlife Care
A wildlife rehabilitation center in San Luis Obispo County that has received more than 800 common murres this season.
The details
Yellowfin tuna, dorado and striped marlin have extended their ranges north along the West Coast, while young salmon struggle to find nutrient-rich food in the warmer water. Common murres have been hit particularly hard, with an unprecedented influx washing ashore on the Central Coast in early September.
Timeline
Earlier in 2026: a marine heat wave contributed to a significant seabird die-off in California.
Early September 2026: an unprecedented influx of common murres began washing ashore.
Mid-October 2026: Pacific Wildlife Care had received more than 800 murres.
Seasonal Patterns
A decade ago, a prolonged ocean-warming event drove anchovy populations from record lows to record highs, showing how warm-water cycles reshape marine food webs. The current El Nino and heat wave are reversing that pattern for seabirds that depend on the same prey.
Birders on the California coast may see unusual numbers of stranded murres and other seabirds this season. Anyone who finds a distressed bird can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center rather than attempting to care for it alone.
The takeaway
Warm ocean conditions reduce the food seabirds need, so sightings of starving birds can signal wider stress in the marine ecosystem. Reporting distressed birds to rehabilitation centers helps track how far the die-off extends.
Further reading
For more on the species at risk, see Bird Watching resources.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC News.
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Have you noticed more dead or struggling seabirds on your local coast this year?
