Least Auklet vs Scripps's Murrelet
Aethia pusilla compared with Synthliboramphus scrippsi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Least Auklet | Scripps's Murrelet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aethia pusilla | Synthliboramphus scrippsi |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae | Alcidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 18.9 cm (7.4 in) | 24.0 cm (9.4 in) |
| Weight | 84.33333333333333 g (2.97 oz) | 175.5 g (6.19 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Least Auklet
Vulnerable
Scripps's Murrelet
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.
Scripps's Murrelet
Scripps's Murrelet, 22–24 cm, breeds in crevices on Channel Islands off southern California. White underparts contrasting with dark grey upperparts; white split extends up flanks. Nocturnal at colonies. Chicks lead-march to sea within 2 days of hatching. Piscivore; threatened by light pollution and introduced predators.