This tiny seabird typically swims tilted forward with head down, giving a thick-necked and short-tailed appearance. Adults in alternate plumage have black wings, back, head, and throat, with a short, stubby bill. In basic plumage, the throat is white, wrapping up behind the eye, leaving a dark neck band. In flight, the underwings are dark.

Length: 21 (cm) Wingspan: 38 (cm)

Habitat:

Open ocean; nests in rock crevices.

Behavior:

Occasionally, storms "wreck" Dovekies along the coast of New England, pushing starving birds to shore.

Feeding:

Dives and swims to catch fish and crustaceans.