The world's most numerous seabird - how it makes up for a lack of size

The little auk lives up to its name as this diminutive seabird is only about the same size as a starling.

But what it lacks in size it makes up for in numbers. It is probably the most numerous seabird in the world with between 10 and 15 million pairs on Spitsbergen alone and other huge colonies on Greenland.

Most of them spend their lives in the High Arctic feeding on plankton.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As a result the cliffs where they nest are stained bright red with guana.

Little auk in southern Spitsbergen.Little auk in southern Spitsbergen.
Little auk in southern Spitsbergen.

After the breeding season they head south to wintering areas in the northern North Sea where they remain at sea, only being seen close inshore after winter storms.

This month, flocks are brought down the east coast and can be seen from vantage points such as Flamborough Head and Filey Brigg.

Sometimes huge numbers are involved and these movements are known as wrecks or displacements.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wrecks can result in hundreds of dead or moribund little auks along the coast while a few might turn up inland in gardens or on park lakes.

Any that are recovered inland need to be returned to the sea as quickly as possible to have any chance of survival.

Displaced little auks, however, are usually healthy and, like those seen off the Yorkshire coast last week, were quickly able to make their way back north again.

Sometimes there is the chance to see a little auk at close quarters, especially if one shelters in Scarborough or Bridlington harbour- one was seen near the entrance to Scarborough harbour last week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With a closer view it can be seen what an odd looking little bird this is with its tiny bill, frog-like face and short neck and tail.

Other birds on the move along the coast included great northern divers and one was seen inland at Pugney's Country Park near Wakefield.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1754
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice