Little Auk
Alle alle
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Little Auk is a small, plump seabird with distinctive black and white plumage. Its upperparts, including the head, neck, and back, are glossy black, contrasting sharply with its white underparts. The bird has a short, stubby black bill and black legs.
During the breeding season, adults display a white patch above and behind the eye. In winter, the throat and upper breast become white, and a dark collar forms around the neck. Juveniles resemble winter adults but with a less defined collar.
Females and males are identical in plumage in both winter and summer but are slightly smaller than males when compared side by side.
Size
Length
18cm to 21cm
Wingspan
42cm to 48cm
Weight
150g to 180g
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
Little Auks inhabit the high Arctic seas and coastal areas. During the breeding season, they are found in large colonies on rocky cliffs in Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, and Novaya Zemlya. Their breeding range extends into the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
In winter, they disperse widely across the North Atlantic, reaching as far south as the North Sea. During harsh winters or strong storms, they can occasionally be spotted off the coasts of the UK and the northeastern United States.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Arctic, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Little Auk. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Little Auk demonstrates remarkable agility, particularly in water. Its ability to 'fly' underwater, dive to depths of 30 metres, and manoeuvre swiftly to catch prey showcases exceptional aquatic agility. Their rapid wing beats and short glides in flight further support this high agility rating.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While the Little Auk is a capable diver and can withstand harsh Arctic conditions, its small size (18-21 cm length, 150-180 g weight) suggests moderate strength relative to larger seabirds. Their ability to climb steep cliffs indicates some strength, but overall, they are not particularly powerful birds.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Little Auks show considerable adaptability. They thrive in harsh Arctic environments, adjust their plumage seasonally, and can survive in both coastal and open sea habitats. Their ability to switch between terrestrial nesting and pelagic lifestyles demonstrates good adaptability, though they are somewhat specialised for cold climates.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
During the breeding season, Little Auks become territorial and vigorously defend their nesting sites, indicating a moderate level of aggressiveness. However, their highly social nature outside of breeding season and tendency to form large flocks suggests they are not overly aggressive birds year-round.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Little Auks exhibit impressive endurance. They undertake long-distance migrations, can dive repeatedly to depths of 30 metres, and survive in harsh Arctic conditions. Their ability to consume up to 60,000 copepods in a day also suggests high foraging endurance. These factors contribute to a strong endurance rating.
Diet
Little Auks primarily feed on small marine crustaceans, particularly copepods and amphipods. The tiny zooplankton swim in swarms near the surface of cold ocean waters and are caught by little auks swimming underwater. They also consume small fish and marine invertebrates.
In winter, more krill, molluscs and marine worms are eaten.
These birds are exceptional divers, plunging to depths of up to 30 meters to catch their prey. They can store multiple prey items in a special pouch under their tongue.
Behaviour
Little Auks are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks at sea. They swim and dive expertly, using their wings to 'fly' underwater in pursuit of prey. On land, they waddle awkwardly but can climb steep cliffs with their sharp claws.
During the breeding season, they become more territorial, defending their nesting sites vigorously.
Vocalisation
Little Auks have a variety of vocalisations, primarily used at breeding colonies. Their most common call is a high-pitched, trilling 'arr-r-r-r' or 'tet-tet-tet-tet'. During courtship, they produce softer, purring sounds.
At sea, they are generally silent, occasionally emitting short, sharp 'pip' notes when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Little Auks form monogamous pairs and breed in dense colonies on coastal cliffs. The breeding season typically begins in May or June, depending on the location. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including head-bobbing and bill-touching.
Nests are simple scrapes in rock crevices or under boulders. The female lays a single pale blue-green egg. Both parents take turns incubating the egg for about 29 days.
After hatching, both parents feed the chick for 27-30 days before it fledges. The young bird leaves the nest at night, flying directly to the sea, where it will spend its first years of life.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Little Auks face threats from climate change and oil spills. Rising sea temperatures affect their prey availability, potentially impacting breeding success.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding colonies and maintaining clean Arctic waters to ensure their long-term survival.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large flocks on the open sea during the winter months
- Visit Arctic breeding colonies in summer for closer views
- Observe their distinctive flight pattern: rapid wing beats with short glides
- Listen for their high-pitched, trilling calls at breeding sites
- Use a spotting scope to watch feeding behaviour from coastal vantage points
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, Glaucous Gulls, and Great Skuas. At sea, they may fall prey to large fish and seals.
Did You Know?
- Little Auks can dive to depths of 30 meters, staying underwater for up to 40 seconds.
- They are the most abundant seabird in the North Atlantic, with an estimated population of up to 82 million individuals.
- A single Little Auk can consume up to 60,000 copepods in a day.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Alle alle. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22694837A131932114.
View source - 3
report: BBS/CBC data: Butcher and Niven 2007
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