General

Least Auklet: Very small seabird with black upperparts, small white plumes behind eyes, and black-mottled white underparts, which vary from nearly all gray to white. Bill is short and gray with orange-red tip. Sexes are similar. Winter adult has white underparts and darker bill.

Range and Habitat

Least Auklet: Breeds on the Aleutians and islands of Bering Sea and winters offshore near breeding range. Preferred habitats include rocky coasts and open ocean.

Breeding and 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.

Foraging and Feeding

Least Auklet: Eats aquatic invertebrates; forages by diving from the surface and swimming underwater.

Vocalization

Least Auklet: Emits various twittering notes around breeding colonies.

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.