We think caged birds sing, when indeed they cry.
A John Webster quotation
Little Auk
The Little Auk, or Dovekie (Alle alle), is a small auk, the only member of the genus Alle. It breeds on islands in the high Arctic. This is the only Atlantic auk of its size, half the size of the Atlantic Puffin.
Identification Tips:
• Length: 6.75 inches, 12-13 in wingspan
• Sexes similar, short, dark bill
• Immature like basic-plumaged adult
• Very small alcid that dives for food from water surface
• White edges to scapulars
• Thin, white trailing edge to secondaries
• Pelagic bird only coming ashore to breed
Have you seen this bird?
• Blackish head, neck, back, wings, and tail
• White breast, belly, and undertail coverts
Adult basic
• White throat and upper breast
• Whitish crescent on side of neck
• Dark face
The flight is direct, with fast whirring wing beats due to the short wings. These birds forage for food like other auks by swimming underwater. They mainly eat crustaceans, especially copepods, but also other small invertebrates along with small fish. Little Auks produce lots of twitters and cackling calls at the breeding colonies, but are silent at sea.
We think caged birds sing, when indeed they cry.
By John Webster
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We think caged birds sing, when indeed they cry.
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