Yes, the Auklet is a type of bird. Auklets are a group of small seabirds that belong to the family Alcidae. They are closely related to puffins and murres and there are around 22 different species of auklets. Some of the most common types of auklets include the Cassin’s Auklet, the Whiskered Auklet, the Crested Auklet, and the Least Auklet.
What do Auklets look like?
Auklets are generally small, chunky seabirds that range in length from about 15-28 cm (6-11 in). Their wingspans range from 33-46 cm (13-18 in). They have short necks, rounded heads, short tails, and short legs that are set far back on their bodies. This gives them a horizontal posture when standing. Their bodies are covered in dense, waterproof plumage. They come in various colors like black, gray, brown, white, and even reddish-pink. Many species have colorful facial decorations like crests, whiskers, plumes, and bright bills that are grown during breeding season. These decorations are thought to play a role in mating displays and signaling social status.
Auklets have powerful wings for flying and webbed feet for swimming and diving. Their wings are narrow and pointed which makes them fast and agile fliers. Their feet have webbing between all four toes which helps propel them underwater as they pursue fish, krill, and other small prey.
Where do Auklets live?
Auklets are found across a large swath of the northern Pacific and northern Atlantic Oceans. Different species occupy different ranges. Some species like the Cassin’s Auklet have ranges spanning from Alaska to Baja California. Other species like the Whiskered Auklet are only found in certain islands and coastal areas around Japan, Russia, and Alaska.
During the breeding season, auklets nest in large seabird colonies on remote rocky islands, cliffs, and seastacks. Their nests are built in crevices, burrows, or underneath rocky overhangs. Outside of breeding season, auklets spend their time foraging widely out at sea. Some species migrate long distances to spend the winter in more southern waters.
What do Auklets eat?
Auklets are carnivorous and feed mainly on small fish, krill, planktonic crustaceans, and other invertebrates. They capture prey by pursuit diving and dipping diving. Pursuit diving involves swimming underwater in pursuit of evasive prey like fish and squid. Dipping diving involves sitting on the surface and dipping the head underwater to snap up less mobile prey. Auklets are capable of diving to impressive depths in search of prey. The Parakeet Auklet has been recorded diving down to 180 m (590 ft)!
How do Auklets reproduce and raise young?
Auklets gather in large seabird colonies during the breeding season to nest and raise chicks. Colonies can contain thousands to millions of birds. Auklets generally practice monogamous pair bonding where a male and female breeding pair stays together across multiple years. Courtship includes vocalizations, displays, and gift giving of pebbles, sticks, or flowers.
The timing of breeding varies by species and location but is generally between April and August. The female lays a single egg directly on the bare ground of a crevice or burrow. Parents take turns incubating the egg for around 5-6 weeks before it hatches. Once hatched, both parents feed the chick through regurgitation. Chicks fledge and leave the colony after 4-6 weeks.
Why do Auklets have colorful decorations?
Many auklet species grow specialized bills, crests, whiskers, and other decorations during breeding season. For example, the Rhinoceros Auklet has a large horn-like projection on its bill. The Whiskered Auklet has long white whiskers extending from its face. And the Crested Auklet has a curled forward crest. These decorations likely serve multiple purposes:
- Visual signal of fitness/social status
- Species recognition
- Mate attraction display
- Camouflage in the colony environment
The decorations are grown through increased blood flow during hormonal changes that prepare the birds for breeding. Their specific purpose is still not fully understood.
Are Auklets endangered?
Many auklet species have declining populations due to threats like:
- Oil spills
- Plastic pollution
- Overfishing of prey species
- Climate change affecting food supply
- Predation by invasive species
However most species are still considered Least Concern by the IUCN Red List with stable populations in the millions. The Whiskered Auklet is Near Threatened due to significant population declines likely from fox predation. Increased conservation efforts are needed to protect auklet breeding colonies and marine ecosystems.
Conclusion
In summary, the Auklet is definitely a unique type of bird. Auklets belong to the Alcidae family of seabirds which includes puffins and murres. They are carnivorous pursuit divers that breed in large colonies on remote rocky coasts and islands. Auklets are highly adapted for swimming and diving with their streamlined bodies, wings tailored for flying, and feet designed for propulsion underwater. Their colorful facial decorations play an important role in courtship displays and breeding signals. While many species are still abundant, conservation efforts are needed to protect auklets from increasing threats at their breeding sites and marine environments.