Description
The Crested Auklet can measure 18–27 cm (7.1–11 in) in length, 34–50 cm (13–20 in) in wingspan and weigh 195–330 g (6.9–12 oz). They have a reddish-orange and yellow tipped bill, yellowish white irises, and white auricular plumes from their eyes to their ears. Their bodies, wings, and tails are primarily dark sooty grey, while their legs and feet are grey and claws black. The males and females are very similar, although the females have slightly smaller and less curved bills, additionally slightly smaller crests.
Crested Auklets are known for their forehead crests, which is made of black forward-curving feathers. These forehead crests are highly variable, and can have between two to twenty three narrow forward curving feathers. The average Auklet has 12 crest feathers. These feathers are also of variable height, between 8.1-58.5mm. Additionally, Auklets have auricular plumes and a bright orange bill with curved accessory plates. Like forehead crests, there is extreme variability in the display of these traits within a population.
It is recognized primarily by two characteristics during the breeding season. The first is its 'crest', a group of bristle feathers located on top of its head above its eyes. The second is a social odor that the auklets produce during the breeding season, which has been described as smelling like tangerines.This odor originates from tiny wick feathers, which are located in a small patch of skin between shoulder blades. In the winter, their bills are smaller and dull yellow. They lack accessory plates and their crest and auricular plumes are reduced.
Juveniles are similar to winter adults, but are without auricular plumes, as well as crest plumes. Also, their bills are even smaller and dull, brownish yellow.
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