Whiskered Auklet
NameWhiskered Auklet
Common NameWhiskered Auklet
Scientific NameAethia pygmaea
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)37.5
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)135
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark sooty-gray body, with a slightly paler belly. The most striking features are the white plumes extending from behind the eye and from the chin, forming 'whiskers'. The bill is bright orange with a yellow tip, and the iris is white.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, purring or chirping notes, often given in flight or at breeding colonies. They also produce trills and growls.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the North Pacific Ocean, primarily breeding on rocky islands of the Aleutian Islands, Commander Islands, and Kuril Islands. They winter in nearby offshore waters.
Identifying FeaturesWhite facial plumes (whiskers), Bright orange bill with yellow tip, White iris, Small, dark sooty-gray body
Description
The Whiskered Auklet is a small, dark seabird known for its distinctive facial plumes. It is highly social, often found in large flocks, and spends most of its life at sea, coming to rocky islands only for breeding.
