Fun Parakeet Auklet Facts For Kids

The parakeet auklet is one of several birds that enjoy diving. It is frequently spotted diving up to 0.02 mi (30 m) to hunt food such as jellyfish and crustaceans. This bird is most often found in the North Pacific, where its population is declining.

It was previously placed in the genus Cyclorrhynchus, however owing to similarities discovered, it was later categorized under the genus Aethia. Did you know, these birds will never abandon their mate? If they live in pairs, they can be seen duetting when their mate returns.

For more relatable content, check out these umbrellabird facts and ovenbird facts for kids.

What type of animal is a parakeet auklet?

Parakeet auklet (Aethia psittacula) is a species of small sea birds belonging to the (order Charadriiformes) family Alcidae.

What class of animal does a parakeet auklet belong to?

This seabird is a part of the Aves class and genus Aethia.

How many parakeet auklets are there in the world?

Partners in-flight organizations estimated the population count of this species to be 1.4 million adults. In the year 2001, this estimate was produced. Despite the widespread distribution, the number of these birds is declining and is most likely to be threatened in the nearest future due to climatic changes.

Where does a parakeet auklet live?

In North America, this species is found in the freezing sea waters of Alaska. Their range also extends to Siberia. Apart from this they may be observed inhabiting the coastal lines of the Aleutian Islands archipelago (Alaska). Popular nesting sites of this species include Kamchatka and Siberia. During migration in winter, it spreads widely in the north Pacific region.

What is a parakeet auklet's habitat?

The icy sea of Alaska is the natural habitat of the Parakeet auklet species. In winter small breeding colonies have been spotted near temperate waters and offshore islands. During the non-breeding seasons, they rest in the middle of the ocean. These birds are known to nest in the cliffs, islands, pinnacles, and even the coast of islands.

Who do parakeet auklets live with?

This monogamous sea bird either lives in pairs or tiny clusters. During the breeding season, they are happy to form breeding colonies with fellow birds and other auk species that may be spotted often.

How long does a parakeet auklet live?

The generation length of this species is 8.4 years. However, their exact lifespan is unknown.

How do they reproduce?

Just like all other birds in this world, the parakeet auklet is also oviparous. During the breeding season between April and May, they nest in rocky areas. The female bird lays an egg or two in rock fissures or amidst pebbles on offshore islands. The egg is either white or pale blue in color. Both adults participate in the 36-day incubation period. They also share foraging and feeding responsibilities. Foraging is done by diving from the surface into the water, devouring the prey underwater. One bird is often in charge to scare predators away and watch for danger. The eggs hatch in about a month. The adult feeds the chick at least four times a day mostly with krill. The chick fledges and takes flight to enjoy the sea at night.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of these birds as per the IUCN Red List as Least Concern. Their population is decreasing.

What do parakeet auklets look like?

For the most part, this species is blackish-white. Black plumage is observed on its head and back and white on the underparts(breast and belly region). It has a single white plume that emanates from its eye which helps in the identification of these birds. During the summer season, the eye plume will vanish. The bill has a medium length, bright orange color, and is slightly curved upwards. These birds have a dark iris with a thick white or pale rim. They are monomorphic. The difference between the breeding and non-breeding winter plumage is quite obvious. In breeding plumage the throat is dark. In non-breeding birds, the plume runs up to the throat. The curved bill is specially engineered to benefit the bird while eating. These birds have webbed feet with sharp dark nails. The bid also has a small auk on the bill. The head is lighter than the back.

There are only minor differences between adults and juveniles. Both of them are similar during winter. The young birds have dark gray underparts with a round head and the eye plume does not run deep. The bill is smaller and has a yellowish tint.

How cute are they?

This small North American bird is not only a cutie but also a good poser. Photographers tend to take pictures of them when they socializing within their colonies.

How do they communicate?

Parakeet auklet species are pretty vocal. It's possible that the species has more than five different types of calls. It's possible that the species has more than five different types of sounds. The commonly heard ones are danger calls and romantic calls known as duets. These calls are made while sitting in a particular position with neck stretched and bills held out. These vocal notes range from a keening screech to mild explosive sounds that are repetitive. Their vocal notes are similar to those of Cassin's auklet.

How big is a parakeet auklet?

The parakeet auklet is one of the small sea bird species of the family Alcidae found in North America. It is 9-10 in (23-25 cm) tall and has a wingspan of 18-20 in (46-50 cm). It is the same size as a cardinal bird.

How fast can a parakeet auklet fly?

During migration in winter, these birds travel long distances in colonies. They are fast fliers that approximately travel 43 mph (70 km/h).

How much does a parakeet auklet weigh?

The parakeet auklet weight is around 8.4-12.2 oz (238-347 g).

What are the male and female names of the species?

Both sexes are simply referred to as parakeet auklet (Aethia psittacula).

What would you call a baby parakeet auklet?

The babies have no specific names.

What do they eat?

These birds feed on small fish. In summer the birds tend to eat jellyfish on a large scale. Parakeet auklet diet includes crustaceans especially krill. It continuously feeds on Calanus and neo Calanus. Arctic foxes and Norwegian rats are their predators.

Are they dangerous?

Extensive research has not been conducted on the behavior of these birds. From the available information, it can be concluded that they are relatively peaceful birds, and their behavior offers no danger to people. When you upset or anger them, all they do is fly away. They're such sweet little birds.

Would they make a good pet?

Despite being calm their behavior around humans have still not been studied widely. Their food consumption, breeding, and nesting habits will be unrestricted and successful when in their natural habitat. And since the population throughout their range is shrinking it is better not to disturb them.

Did you know...

This sea bird only breeds once every year and refrains from forming large breeding colonies.

During summer this bird is especially found in extremely freezing waters. In winter due to the loss of epidermal scales, the bill becomes smaller.

The use of this auk on the bill is to enhance and exhibit the facial expression of these birds. It carries food on its throat to feed juveniles.

As one bird nests, the other sits on elevated locations near the nest to protect the eggs from predators.

Are parakeet auklets endangered?

Currently, this small seabird is not threatened. During migration, fewer couples and colonies have been observed. The parakeet auklet range map shows that their numbers are falling in numerous locations, particularly while migrating between the North Pacific and south California. Consumption of plastic objects and polluted water is a key contributor to their decrease in the North Pacific. Human disruptions are also harmful to them.

How did parakeet auklets get their name?

A parrot with a bill similar to that of this species is known as a parakeet. The name comes from the bill's distinctive upward curving shape. All seabirds of the Alcidae family are referred to as auklet which means small stubby bird.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these red bird of paradise facts and cardinal bird facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable paradise riflebird coloring pages.

Second image by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters.