Taxonomy |
One or maybe two subspecies:
A. p. pygmaea
A. p. camtschatica (justified?)
Also known as Pygmy Auklet
Identification |
Often found in dense
flocks primarily in areas of rough water produced by tidal fronts. Feed on copepods
such as Neocalanus plumchrus.
Where and When |
Restricted to the Aleutian,
Commander and Kurile Islands in the north Pacific. Winters inshore near its
breeding sites. Nests in rock crevices on sea cliffs or boulder piles on volcanic
talus slopes. Sometimes (e.g. Buldir) nests in mixed colonies with other auklets.
Literature |
Byrd, G.V. (1994) A closer look: Whiskered Auklet. Birding 26(6): p424-426.
Byrd, G.V. and Gibson, D.D. (1980) Distribution and population status of Whiskered Auklet in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Western Birds 11: p135-140.