General

Parakeet Auklet: Small seabird with black head and upperparts, white underparts, and distinct white plumes behind eyes. Bill is large, conical, and bright orange-red. Sexes are similar. Winter adult may lack plumes, bill becomes dusky, and throat is white.

Range and Habitat

Parakeet Auklet: Breeds on Bering Sea islands and nearby coasts; spends winters offshore as far south as California.

Breeding and Nesting

Parakeet Auklet: One white to blue egg is laid in a cliff crevice or rock pile. Incubation ranges from 35 to 36 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Parakeet Auklet: Eats jellyfish, krill, and small fish; forages by diving from the surface and pursuing prey underwater.

Vocalization

Parakeet Auklet: Generally silent; gives clear whistles while in breeding colonies.

Similar Species

Parakeet Auklet: Crested, Whiskered, and Rhinoceros auklets have dark bellies, crests, and throats.