Details
Aethia cristatella
The crested auklet is a small seabird of cold North Pacific waters. It feeds at sea by day and gathers in dense island colonies to breed.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses cold offshore waters and rocky islands with many crevices. Predator-limited slopes close to feeding seas are important for nesting.
Wingspan is about 34-50 cm and weight about 200-330 g. Dark plumage, a forehead crest, white facial plumes, and an orange bill stand out in breeding dress.
Active by day, it swims and dives in flocks at sea. At colonies, dense birds use calls and odor cues around mates and nest sites.
It is carnivorous, feeding on krill and other small marine animals. It propels itself underwater with its wings and often feeds in groups.
Nests are placed in rock crevices or talus within colonies. Parents bring food from the sea to chicks hidden in the nest site.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. It depends strongly on cold-water prey and secure breeding islands.
