Least Auklet vs Whiskered Auklet
Aethia pusilla compared with Aethia pygmaea
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Least Auklet | Whiskered Auklet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aethia pusilla | Aethia pygmaea |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae | Alcidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 18.9 cm (7.4 in) | 22.4 cm (8.8 in) |
| Weight | 84.33333333333333 g (2.97 oz) | 119.83333333333333 g (4.23 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Least Auklet
Least Concern
Whiskered Auklet
About These Birds
Least Auklet
Least Auklet, 15–16 cm, is the smallest auk, breeding in immense colonies (millions) on rocky Aleutian and Bering Sea islands. Dark above, streaked white below; a tiny white plume above the eye. Planktivore; sieves copepods and euphausiids at sea. Makes loud buzzing display choruses at colony.
Whiskered Auklet
Whiskered Auklet, 18–22 cm, breeds on the Aleutian and Kuril Islands in colonies in crevices. Three white facial plumes give the 'whiskered' appearance; forward-curving black crest. Smallest crested auklet. Planktivore; forages in fast tidal currents feeding on euphausiids. Year-round resident near breeding islands.