Animal Guide

Rhinoceros Auklet

3 destinations · 3 states

Native Range: North Pacific coastal waters and islands

The rhinoceros auklet is a compact seabird that becomes much more interesting when you watch what it does underwater. Its dark body and pale underside make it look fairly understated at first, but the small horn-like projection above the bill gives breeding adults their distinctive name. In an aquarium or coastal bird exhibit, look for quick dives and underwater pursuit rather than long periods of soaring. Rhinoceros auklets use their wings to propel themselves beneath the surface, where they chase small fish and other prey. Adults can also carry several small fish crosswise in the bill at once, bringing food back to a nest burrow for their chick. On land, they tend to look more awkward than they do in the water, which makes the contrast especially fun to notice. These auklets breed on islands and rocky coastal sites around the North Pacific, often nesting in burrows rather than exposed nests. If one surfaces with a quick shake of its head, keep watching. Its next dive may reveal the streamlined body and powerful underwater strokes that make this seabird so well suited to life at sea.

Rhinoceros Auklet

Where to see Rhinoceros Auklet

3 destinations across 3 states

3 destinations

Alaska SeaLife Center

Seward, AK

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Newport, OR

Seattle Aquarium

Seattle, WA

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