Least Auklet vs Great Auk
Aethia pusilla compared with Pinguinus impennis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Least Auklet | Great Auk |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aethia pusilla | Pinguinus impennis |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae | Alcidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Extinct |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 18.9 cm (7.4 in) | — |
| Weight | 84.33333333333333 g (2.97 oz) | 4750.0 g (167.55 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Least Auklet
Extinct
Great Auk
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.
Great Auk
Great Auk was the Northern Hemisphere's giant flightless auk, 75–85 cm, hunted to extinction in 1844. The last pair was killed on Eldey Island, Iceland. Black above, white below with a white oval eye patch; vestigial wings. Spent most of its life at sea; bred colonially on Atlantic islands and rocks.