This chunky small alcid is entirely dark above and mostly light below, with a thick, upturned bill. The bill is reddish orange on adults and dark on juveniles. A white plume droops from behind the eye in all plumages. Adults have white eyes, while young birds have dark eyes. This species lacks a crest, separating it from all dark Whiskered and Crested Auklets. When swimming, it shows some white above the water line, separating it from the larger Rhinocerous Auklet, which appears all dark on the water. Least Auklet is much smaller, has a mostly dark bill, and has white on the scapulars.

Length: 25 (cm) Wingspan: 46 (cm)

Habitat:

Open ocean; nests in crevices on cliffs and rocky areas.

Behavior:

Less gregarious than some other auklets. Often seen alone, in pairs, or in small groups; far out to sea in winter.

Feeding:

Dives and swims to catch small crustaceans.