Least auklet

Least Auklets feed predominantly on calanoid copepods, particularly those of the genus Neocalanus. They also eat euphausiids, pteropods and other zooplankton species. They hunt for these in stratified waters caused where upwelling and thermoclines cause these prey items to be tightly clumped together. Like all auks they are pursuit divers, using their wings to provide thrust and fly under the water. They are voracious predators, consuming 86% of their body weight each day.

The Least auklet is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

Adult Least Auklet pair, at their breeding colony; Alaska, June Figure 1. Breeding range (location of nesting colonies) and winter range of the Least Auklet. This tiny alcid is one of the most abundant seabirds in North America, with a total population of about nine million. Least Auklets dive for plankton, nest in huge colonies in rock crevices, lay just one egg each year, and eat almost 90% of their weight per day—reflecting the high energetic demands of their flight and foraging. More

The Least Auklet, Aethia pusilla, is a seabird and the smallest species of auk. It the most abundant seabird in North America, and one of the most abundant in the world, with a population of around nine million birds. They breed on the islands of Alaska and Siberia, and spend the winter close to the edge of the ice sheet. Their largest colonies are on the Aleutian Islands, St. Lawrence Island and Little Diomede Island. More

The Least Auklet has a current rating of Least Concern. The previous rating was Lower Risk. This is a marine bird that has a fairly large range of up to 1 million square kilometers. The population of this bird is estimated at around 24 million individual birds. The Least Auklet is native to the United States, Russia and Japan. It has also been seen in Canada as well. More

● Breeding & nesting: Least Auklet: One white egg is laid in a small crevice with no nest materials added; nests in huge colonies on rocky slopes. Incubation ranges from 28 to 36 days and is carried out by both parents. ● Similar species: Least Auklet: Parakeet Auklet lacks white whiskers on face. Marbled and Kittlitz's murrelets are larger, have slender dark bills, and dark eyes. Flight Pattern Swift strong direct flight. More

D013_691 The Least Auklet (Aethia pusilla) is the smallest seabird. Auklets nest in huge colonies up to millions of birds. Very common to see huge flock of bids flying above the colony. D013_691 The Least Auklet (Aethia pusilla) is the smallest seabird. Auklets nest in huge colonies up to millions of birds. Very common to see huge flock of bids flying above the colony. More

HW0006D001Group of Least Auklets perched on the rocky cliff, St. More

Least Auklets are highly colonial, nesting in rocky crevices in colonies of up to a million birds. These colonies are often mixed, with other species of auklet nesting with, and competing with the Least Auklets. While this coexistence with other species may bring the benefits of protection from predators, Least Auklets are vulnerable to being displaced from their nesting sites by the larger Crested Auklets. More

Least Auklets feed predominantly on calanoid copepods, particularly those of the genus Neocalanus. They also eat euphausiids, pteropods and other zooplankton species. They hunt for these in stratified waters caused where upwelling and thermoclines cause these prey items to be tightly clumped together. Like all auks they are pursuit divers, using their wings to provide thrust and "fly" under the water. More

Aspects of the topic least auklet are discussed in the following places at Britannica. Assorted References * types of auklet (in auklet (bird)) The smallest member of the family is the least auklet (Aethia pusilla), about 15 cm (6 inches) long. It winters far north in rough waters. More

Least auklets are vulnerable to oil spills and introduced species. The introduction of foxes and rats to the Aleutian Islands has caused the species to be wiped out on many of their former island colonies. The parakeet auklet (Aethia psittacula) is a small seabird of the North Pacific. 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. More

Matthew Island, The Grotto, Least Auklet habitat 5. St. Matthew Island, The Grotto, Least Auklet habitat Least Auklets 6. Least Auklets Least Auklet 7. Least Auklet Least Auklet 8. Least Auklet - Least Cisco 9. Least Cisco Least Cisco 10. More

Least AukletThe least auklet is a sparrow-sized seabird. It is about six inches long. The least auklet is the smallest species in the Alcid family. It has dark brown to black feathers on its back and wings. It has white spotted feathers on its chest and undersides. In summer, it has a white plume behind its eyes. It has a dark red bill, yellow eyes, a very short tail and webbed gray-black feet. Males and females look the same. More

The least auklet breeds on islands off the coast of Alaska. It winters on the open water. Habitat Least AukletThe least auklet nests on coasts with lots of rocks and boulders. It lives on the open ocean when it is not mating season. Diet The least auklet dives from the surface of the water and scoops up zooplankton. More

How do we collect their puke sample? With Least Auklets it is very easy, as soon as you catch them they almost always regurgitate their most recent meal. Using a metal spoon and a little plastic bag, we scoop it up off the rocks, the mist net, your shirt, or whatever, and collect it and label it for the research. The samples are sent off to a laboratory, where other scientists can analyze what the auklets are eating. More