Least auklet
Aethia pusilla
Identification Tips:
- Sexes similar
- Immature similar to adult basic
- Small alcid that dives for food from water surface
- Thick, short bill
- Bill dark red with paler tip
- Yellow eye
- Pelagic bird only coming ashore to breed
- Inhabits islands and surrounding waters of Alaska
Adult alternate
- White line behind eye
- White streaking on forehead
- Blackish upperparts
- White throat
- Underparts variably mottled black and white
- Scapulars tipped with white
Adult basic
- Underparts whiter than in alternate plumage
- Face pattern more obscure than in alternate plumage
Similar species:
The tiny size, white underparts, and short, dark, stubby bill of the Least
Auklet are diagnostic.