The parakeet auklet is a small seabird of the North Pacific. Parakeet Auklets used to be placed on its own in the genus Cyclorrhynchus but recent morphological and genetic evidence suggest it should be placed in the genus Aethia, making them closely related to crested auklets and least auklets. It is associated with the boreal waters of Alaska, Kamchatka and Siberia. It breeds on the cliffs, slopes and boulder fields of offshore islands, generally moving south during the winter.
Region
North Pacific and Bering Sea
Typical Environment
Breeds on offshore islands and coastal headlands around Alaska, the Aleutians, the Bering Sea, Kamchatka, and the Sea of Okhotsk. Colonies are placed on cliffs, talus slopes, and boulder fields with abundant crevices. At sea it forages in cold, productive waters over continental shelves and shelf breaks, often near upwellings and tide rips. After breeding it disperses southward over the North Pacific, wintering mostly offshore. It generally remains in boreal and subarctic waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The parakeet auklet is a compact North Pacific seabird best known for its short, deep, brightly colored bill that curves upward. Once placed in its own genus Cyclorrhynchus, it is now grouped with Aethia auklets alongside least and crested auklets. It nests in rock crevices and boulder fields on remote islands, laying a single egg. Its pale eye and striking bill make it one of the most distinctive small alcids.
The parakeet auklet is highly social in its breeding colonies.
Closeup of the head, Pribilof Islands, Alaska
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over the water
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, nesting in rock crevices or burrows among boulders. Pairs are monogamous within a season and share incubation and chick-rearing. Birds commute between offshore feeding areas and colonies, often forming rafts near breeding sites.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives soft whistling notes, purring trills, and gruff croaks from within crevices. Calls are most frequent at dusk and night, aiding pair contact in dense colonies.
