Little Auk

The Little Auk (Alle alle) is the smallest member of the auk family, known for its compact body, short wings, and swift flight. This resilient seabird breeds in the Arctic, where it nests in large colonies on rocky cliffs and coastal scree slopes. Little Auks are strong swimmers and divers, feeding primarily on small marine organisms like plankton and crustaceans. Despite their small size, these birds undertake impressive migrations, traveling south to warmer waters in winter. Studying Little Auks provides valuable insights into how seabirds adapt to extreme environments and changing ocean conditions, making them key indicators of Arctic ecosystem health.