Alcids

Whiskered Auklet

Aethia pygmaea

One of the most ornate of all alcids, the Whiskered Auklet sports three white facial plumes — two from above the eye and one from below — plus a recurved black crest. Largely confined to the Aleutian Islands, making it a prized target for visiting birders. Its habit of foraging in tidal rips around island passes is well-known.

Where to look

Central and western Aleutians (Buldir, Amchitka, Tanaga Islands). Concentrations occur in strong tidal rips off island passes.

Habitat

Rocky Aleutian shorelines and tidal passes; nests in crevices and lava tubes.

Diet

Euphausiids, amphipods, and other zooplankton concentrated in tidal rips.

Natural history note

Whiskered Auklets are one of the few seabirds that appear to be primarily nocturnal at the colony, probably as an anti-predator adaptation.