Little Auk
Least ConcernAlle alle
Visual Identification
Little Auk
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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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.
Lifespan
years
The Little Auk typically lives for 15 to 20 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
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
Other names:
Dovekie, King Auks, Bull Birds
Family:
AlcidaePredators
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.
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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