Species Profile
Little Auk
Alle alle
Little Auk
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
15–20 years
Length
18–21 cm
Weight
150–180 g
Wingspan
42–48 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Dovekie, King Auks, Bull Birds
Think you've spotted a Little Auk?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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
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.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Little Auk
Upload a PhotoIdentify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species