Little Auk (Alle alle)
Description
This is the smallest of the Auks, about the size of a Starling only plumper. It has a large head, short neck and stubby bill. Breeds on the boulder screes of Arctic Islands and only moves South in the Winter when the pack ice covers their feeding grounds. Feeds on plankton, small crustaceans and small fish.
Plumage in Summer is black upperparts with white underparts. In Winter, white parts become a dirty white and also has distinctive white lobe which stretches from throat to behind the ear coverts which helps form a black, semi-collar around throat. All year round as 3 - 4 distinctive thin white lines on back.
Far more agile than other Auks both on land and in the air.
Flight
Fast and low over water.
Call
Usually silent away from breeding grounds.
Habitat
Winters at sea. Breeds on Arctic Islands.
Where to see Little Auk
Sea watching from vantage points on North and East coast. Try North Norfolk Coast in November, particulary after heavy gales. Can occur inland after severe weather but very sporadic.