Pinguinus impennis
Extinct
Once a majestic symbol of the North Atlantic's rugged coasts, the Great Auk was a bird of striking contrast and remarkable endurance. With its jet-black back, gleaming white belly, and distinctive white patch between the eye and bill, it was an unforgettable sight on the rocky islands where it bred. Known for its deep, growling call and impressive diving abilities, the Great Auk was a remarkable presence in the ocean's icy waters. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of the profound impact humans can have on the natural world.
Males and females have similar plumage
Black
White
Black
Broad
Black
Black
Large white patch between bill and eye
Short
70cm to 80cm
Length
110cm to 130cm
Wingspan
4kg to 5kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Deep growl
A hoarse growling sound
Unknown
Spent most of the day hunting for food in the ocean
Lived in large colonies on rocky islands
Unknown
Moved south in winter, north in summer
Interacted with other seabirds at feeding and breeding sites
Fish, Crustaceans
Dived deep into the sea to catch prey
Throughout the day
Diving and seizing
Depended on the season and location
None known
Rocky islands
Simple scrape in the ground
Summer
Normally one
White with brown blotches
Approximately 12cm x 7cm
Single egg
Approximately 6 weeks
Around 2 months
Both parents cared for the chick
North Atlantic, from North America to Europe and Greenland
Open ocean and rocky islands
Sea level
Moved south in winter, north in summer
Marine, Coastal
Polar, Temperate
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.