Crested Auklet vs Parakeet Auklet

Crested Auklet

Aethia cristatella

Medium259 gMarine

The crested auklet can measure 18–27 cm (7.1–10.6 in) in length, 34–50 cm (13–20 in) in wingspan and weigh 195–330 g (6.9–11.6 oz). They have a reddish-orange and yellow tipped bill, yellowish white irises, and white auricular plumes from their eyes to their ears. Their bodies, wings, and tails are primarily dark sooty grey, while their legs and feet are grey and claws black. The males and females are very similar, although the females have slightly smaller and less curved bills, additionally slightly smaller crests.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: F. Deines, USFWS · Public domain

Parakeet Auklet

Aethia psittacula

Medium270 gMarine

The parakeet auklet is a small (23 cm) auk with a short orange bill that is upturned to give the bird its curious fixed expression. The upward bend of the beak has been observed to provide advantages in picking up small food pieces from the sea bottom as well as in assisting in the disintegration of larger food objects. The bird's plumage is dark above and white below. with a single white plume projecting back from the eye. There is a small amount of variation between breeding and winter plumage.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Art Sowls, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service · Public domain

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Crested Auklet and Parakeet Auklet.