About the Parakeet Auklet
The parakeet auklet is a small seabird of the North Pacific. Parakeet Auklets used to be placed on its own in the genus Cyclorrhynchus but recent morphological and genetic evidence suggest it should be placed in the genus Aethia, making them closely related to crested auklets and least auklets. It is associated with the boreal waters of Alaska, Kamchatka and Siberia. It breeds on the cliffs, slopes and boulder fields of offshore islands, generally moving south during the winter.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in June · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Crested AukletAethia cristatellaThe 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).
Least AukletAethia pusillaThe least auklet is a seabird and the smallest species of auk.
Whiskered AukletAethia pygmaeaAn odd characteristic of this bird, which is also shared with the crested auklet, is that its plumage smells of citrus.
Learn the Parakeet Auklet for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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