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Parakeet auklets spend 6-8 months of the year on the open water.
photo: Tom Gillespie
Characteristics: Parakeet auklets are small birds, measuring about 10 inches from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail. These sea birds can be found in the northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. They come ashore during breeding season in Asia and to various islands in the Bering Sea. Parakeet auklets are rarely found south of Alaska.
Reproduction: While these birds do not build real nests, they lay their eggs in crevices or under loose piles of rocks. Adults carry food to their chicks from many miles away in a throat pouch called a crop.
Diet: Parakeet auklets eat mainly small crustaceans.
Environmental Connections: Parakeet auklets are closely connected to the oceans. Like other seabirds, they spend 6-8 months of the year on the open water. They feed exclusively on prey that comes from the ocean and they face competition for food from commercial fishermen. Over fishing depletes the food chain for parakeet auklets and other ocean feeders. By utilizing sustainable methods of commercial fishing, we can allow fish populations to recover. Consumption of contaminated fish and marine debris is also a threat to auklet populations.
Oil exploration presents a threat to parakeet auklets as well. Small amounts of oil that are ingested or coat their feathers could also be hazardous to their health.
Protecting parakeet auklets means preserving the habitats in which they live. No ecosystem stands alone so it is important that we work to protect ecosystems on a global level.
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.
