Seabirds

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

A medium-sized, drab-brownish auk with distinctive white facial plumes and a stubby horn at the base of its orange bill during the breeding season. Seen offshore around Kodiak.

Where to look

Offshore waters and Barren Islands; often observed from pelagic trips out of Kodiak during summer.

Habitat

Open ocean outside breeding season; burrow-nesting on offshore islands.

Diet

Fish (especially sand lance and herring) and squid.

Natural history note

The Rhinoceros Auklet is actually more closely related to puffins than to true auklets.