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.