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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameAlle alle FamilyAuks (Alcidae) OverviewThe little auk is a small seabird, the size of a starling. It is black above and white below, and in flight it shows dark underwings. It has a black stubby bill, and a short neck and tail. It flies with very fast whirring wingbeats low over the sea. It is a winter visitor to the waters around the UK in small numbers each year. It breeds in the Arctic and winters in the North Atlantic. Some birds enter the North Sea in autumn and large numbers can be seen passing offshore during gales. Where to see themStorms in late autumn can drive large numbers of little auks into the North Sea. Look for them from seawatching places along the coast of eastern Scotland and England in late October and early November. Wintering birds can be seen off the northern coast of the UK. When to see themMainly from late October to February. What they eatPlankton, other tiny marine creatures and fish. Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
 Adult  Little auk - juvenile/non-breeding Similar birdsHelp the Little aukThe RSPB is working for a better environment for birds and people. Join today and add your voice. |
Waves, Lincolnshire coast - Graham Catley
Little auk swimming - Mike Weedon
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)