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Difference between revisions of "Parakeet Auklet" - BirdForum Opus

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==Identification==
 
==Identification==
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The Parakeet Auklet is a small seabird of the North Pacific. The Parakeet Auklet is a small (23 cm) auk with a short orange bill that is upturned to give the bird its curious fixed expression. The bird's plumage is dark above and white below. with a single white plume projecting back from the eye. There is a small amount of variation between breeding and winter plumage.
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23 cm.  Short orange bill, dark upper and white below, single white plume projecting back from the eye.  
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==Distribution==
 
==Distribution==
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It is associated with the boreal waters of Alaska and Kamchatka and Siberia.
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[[Alaska]] and [[Kamchatka]] and [[Siberia]].
 
==Taxonomy==
 
==Taxonomy==
 
It used to be placed on its own in the genus Cyclorrhynchus (Kaup, 1829) but recent morphological and genetic evidence suggest it should be placed in the genus Aethia.  
 
It used to be placed on its own in the genus Cyclorrhynchus (Kaup, 1829) but recent morphological and genetic evidence suggest it should be placed in the genus Aethia.  
  
 
==Habitat==
 
==Habitat==
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It breeds on the cliffs, slopes and boulder fields of offshore islands, generally moving south during the winter.
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Cliffs, slopes and boulder fields of offshore islands, generally moving south during the winter.
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Parakeet Auklets spend most of their lives at sea, coming to land only to breed and raise young.  
 
  
 
==Behaviour==
 
==Behaviour==
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The Parakeet Auklet is a highly vocal species at the nest, calling once it arrives at the nest and then duetting once its mate arrives. It makes a series of rhythimc hoarse calls (like that of the Cassin's Auklet) and a quavering squeal. The function of these are unknown, but could be associated with defending its burrow from intruders and strengthening the bond with its mate.
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They spend most of their lives at sea, coming to land only to breed and raise young.
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The Parakeet Auklet's food varies with season, during the breeding season it takes mostly small planktonic crustaceans such as euphausiids, copepods and amphipods. Recent research shows it also preys on jellyfish in some areas. It often feeds at a considerable distance from the colony, diving up to 30 m to reach its prey. The unique bill shape helps them to feed on their favorite foods of slimy jellyfish and zooplankton. Since jellyfish are relatively slow moving, Parakeet Auklets do not need to swim as fast or dive as deep as other alcids that feed on small fish.
 
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Breeding begins in April and May in colonies that are often shared with other auk species. The pair lay one egg, which is incubated for just over a month, the chick is then fed 4 times a day for around 35 days. The chick fledges at night, flying out to sea alone.
 
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When they come to land to breed, they scramble around quite well, despite their large webbed feet and pot-bellied appearance. Auklet breeding colonies are noisy affairs as thousands of males screech and ‘whinny’ to advertise their presence. They usually nest in the crevices of rocks or under the shelter of boulders, but they are very capable of digging burrows in the soil to nest in. There they lay a single white egg that is incubated by both parents. The chick stays in the nest site until fully grown, where it waits for its parents to return from sea with food. When the chick has grown enough to fly, it leaves its crevice at night and flies out to sea. Its parents stop taking care of it once it leaves the nest and so it must quickly learn to swim and find food on its own.  
 
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Diet includes small planktonic crustaceans such as euphausiids, copepods and amphipods.
  
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Breeding takes place in April and May in colonies that are often shared with other auk species.  Nests are made in crevices of rocks or under the shelter of boulders.  1 egg is laid, and is incubated for just over a month.  The chick fledges after 35 days, at night, and flies out to sea, alone.
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
 
*[http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showgallery.php?mcats=all&what=allfields&si=Parakeet+Auklet+ View more images of Parakeet Auklet in the gallery]
 
*[http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showgallery.php?mcats=all&what=allfields&si=Parakeet+Auklet+ View more images of Parakeet Auklet in the gallery]
 
[[Category:Birds]]
 
[[Category:Birds]]

Revision as of 11:44, 30 September 2007

Aethia psittacula
Photo by martin UK

Identification

23 cm. Short orange bill, dark upper and white below, single white plume projecting back from the eye.

Distribution

Alaska and Kamchatka and Siberia.

Taxonomy

It used to be placed on its own in the genus Cyclorrhynchus (Kaup, 1829) but recent morphological and genetic evidence suggest it should be placed in the genus Aethia.

Habitat

Cliffs, slopes and boulder fields of offshore islands, generally moving south during the winter.

Behaviour

They spend most of their lives at sea, coming to land only to breed and raise young.

Diet includes small planktonic crustaceans such as euphausiids, copepods and amphipods.

Breeding takes place in April and May in colonies that are often shared with other auk species. Nests are made in crevices of rocks or under the shelter of boulders. 1 egg is laid, and is incubated for just over a month. The chick fledges after 35 days, at night, and flies out to sea, alone.

External Links

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