Little Auk
A species of Little auk Scientific name : Alle alle Genus : Little auk
Little Auk, A species of Little auk
Botanical name: Alle alle
Genus: Little auk
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Alastair Rae from London, UK , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The little Auk is a charming and memorable seabird found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Despite its small size, it fearlessly dives into the icy waters in pursuit of its prey. Its distinct look, featuring a rounded head, black and white feathers, and a plump body, makes it stand out. 
Size
18-22 cm (7-8.5 in)
Colors
Black
White
Life Expectancy
25 years
Nest Placement
Cliff
Feeding Habits
Little Auk forages by diving underwater, propelling with wings, and steering with feet. They eat planktonic crustaceans, especially copepods, plus amphipods, euphausiids, pteropods and juvenile fishes. They dive down to 100 feet and use a zig-zag ascent pattern. They may feed nocturnally and transport food over 60 miles for chicks using a throat pouch.
Habitat
Little Auk typically inhabit oceanic environments, ranging from offshore to pelagic zones. They predominantly nest in High Arctic habitats, favoring coastal cliffs, rocky scree, small rocky islands, and nunataks that provide shelter from harsh winds and predators. They thrive in regions with strong currents and rich nutrient supplies that support their feeding during breeding near sea ice edges. Post-breeding, little Auk migrates southward to continental shelf edges like the Grand Banks and Scotian Shelf, where upwellings sustain an abundance of prey. Some overwinter in polynyas, maintaining access to food despite icy surroundings.
Nest Behavior
Little Auk engages in nesting activities in their chosen sites, laying eggs on the minimalistic pebble beds. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and rearing the young.
Nest Characteristics
Little Auk typically nests in rocky crevices 1–3 feet deep on cliffs and islands, creating a simple platform of pebbles, occasionally adorned with lichen or grasses.
Dite type
Aquatic invertebrate eater
General Info
Behavior
Little Auk exhibit sociable behavior year-round. They congregate in vast numbers preceding the breeding period, engaging in group flights and vocalizations, especially during low light. These behaviors persist throughout nesting, with peak intensities at dawn and dusk. Little Auk tend towards monogamy, commonly reuniting with prior season mates. Their charming courtship includes head gestures, bill touching, and slow wingbeats resembling 'butterfly' flights. Both parents equally participate in egg incubation and chick nurturing. Immature, non-breeding little Auk form 'clubs' within colonies. Post-fledging, little Auk migrate south in large groups, maintaining flock cohesion throughout the winter.
Species Status
Although populations appear to be decreasing, this is not currently thought to be rapid enough to be of concern for the species in the medium term, especially as global little auk numbers are generally rather fluid. Little auks have been shown to be able to buffer fluctuations in prey availability, caused by climate change, via plasticity in their foraging behavior, which is likely to make accurate conservation assessments more difficult.
Photo By Alastair Rae from London, UK , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Scientific Classification
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