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: Found near the boreal waters of the Bering Sea from Alaska to Siberia. May be found in coastal regions of Alaska, as well as along the Aleutian Islands archipelago. May travel as far south as California during winter months. Inhabits islands with rocky cliffs or talus slides during the summer breeding season.

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.