Great Auk
Pinguinus impennis
The Great Auk is a notable, yet extinct species that was once found in Britain, particularly in the northern and western islands, although sightings were rare and mostly historical. It was last seen in British waters in the mid-19th century, and its absence has been deeply felt by ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Great Auk in the field.
At a glance, the Great Auk can be distinguished by its black and white feathers, distinctive black beak, and upright posture, with its wings being much shorter than its body.
The Great Auk was larger than a Blue Tit, but smaller than a Swan, reaching lengths of approximately 75-85 cm.
The male Great Auk had a distinctive black back and white belly, with a black neck and head, and its feathers were densely packed to keep it warm in cold waters.
Similar to the male, the female Great Auk shared the same black and white colouration, with no notable differences in plumage.
Unfortunately, there are no recorded calls or songs of the Great Auk, as it became extinct before such recordings could be made, but it is believed to have been a vocal bird.
The Great Auk was a flightless bird that used its short wings to swim and dive in the ocean, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and other marine animals, and it was known to be a social bird, often found in large colonies.
The Great Auk might be confused with the Razorbill or Guillemot, but it can be distinguished from these species by its distinctive black and white colouration, upright posture, and much shorter wings.
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