Great Auk
ExtinctPinguinus impennis
Visual Identification
Great Auk
Appearance
The Great Auk was a large, flightless seabird with a black back and white underparts. It had a large, curved beak and small wings adapted for swimming. Adults stood about 75-85 cm tall and weighed 4-5 kg.
During the breeding season, adults developed a white patch over each eye and white grooves on their bills. Juveniles had a more mottled appearance with smaller bills.
Size
Length
75cm to 85cm
Wingspan
70cm to 75cm
Weight
4kg to 5kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Great Auks inhabited rocky islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Canada's east coast to Norway, with significant populations around Iceland and the British Isles. They required remote, rocky coasts for breeding.
During non-breeding seasons, they dispersed widely across the North Atlantic, venturing as far south as northern Spain and possibly the northeastern United States.
Elevation Range
Sea level
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Great Auks primarily fed on fish, particularly capelin and Atlantic menhaden. They were also known to consume crustaceans and marine worms. These birds could dive to depths of up to 100 meters to catch their prey.
Behaviour
Great Auks were excellent swimmers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater in pursuit of fish. On land, they moved awkwardly in an upright posture. They were known to be social birds, gathering in large colonies during the breeding season.
Vocalisation
Historical accounts suggest that Great Auks produced low croaking and gurgling sounds. On breeding grounds, they were reported to make a variety of grunts and low croaks, possibly used for communication within the colony and between mates.
Nesting & Breeding
Great Auks formed monogamous pairs and bred in dense colonies on remote, rocky islands. The breeding season typically began in May or June.
Females laid a single egg directly on a bare rock or in a shallow depression. The egg was pyriform (pear-shaped) and had intricate patterns of brown and black markings on a white or yellowish background.
Both parents shared incubation duties for about 6 weeks. After hatching, the chick was tended by both parents until it was ready to leave the nesting site, typically after 2-3 weeks.
Lifespan
years
The Great Auk typically lives for 20 to 25 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Great Auk became extinct in the mid-19th century due to excessive hunting for its meat, eggs, and feathers.
Its demise is a stark reminder of human impact on wildlife and has influenced modern conservation efforts for seabirds and other vulnerable species.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
0 (Extinct)
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
As the Great Auk is extinct, it cannot be observed in the wild. However, birdwatchers can:
- Visit museums with Great Auk specimens
- Explore historical breeding sites in the North Atlantic
- Learn about conservation efforts for related species
- Study historical accounts and illustrations
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Garefowl
Family:
AlcidaePredators
Adult Great Auks had few natural predators, but their eggs and chicks were vulnerable to gulls, skuas, and Arctic foxes.
Did You Know?
- The Great Auk was the only flightless bird native to the Northern Hemisphere in modern times.
- Its scientific name, Pinguinus impennis, reflects its penguin-like appearance, though it was not closely related to penguins.
- The last confirmed pair of Great Auks was killed in 1844 on the island of Eldey, off the coast of Iceland.
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References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Pinguinus impennis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22694856A205919631.
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