aukinnar

Aukinnar is a genus of seabirds in the family Alcidae, distributed along boreal and temperate coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere. Descriptions in ornithological literature indicate that aukinnars are medium-sized alcids that differ from other genera in facial markings, vocalizations, and plumage variations among species. Adults typically measure 28 to 38 cm in length with a compact body, short wings, and a stout bill suited to catching small schooling fish and crustaceans.

Aukinnars breed on rocky islands and coastal cliffs, forming dense colonies during the breeding season. They occur in the North Atlantic and North Pacific and can migrate seasonally to temperate shelf waters. At sea they form loose flocks, but on land they defend nest sites with aggressive displays.

Diet consists mainly of small fish and crustaceans, captured by pursuit diving to shallow depths. They are proficient divers, capable of rapid pursuit under water for several meters. Reproductive biology varies by species but most aukinnars lay one egg per season, sometimes two. Both parents participate in incubation, typically around three weeks, and share duties feeding the chick for several weeks until fledging.

Conservation status varies among species; threats include habitat disturbance on breeding islands, introduced predators, fisheries bycatch, and oil spills. Taxonomically, Aukinnar is recognized as a distinct genus within Alcidae by several authorities, with genetic studies supporting its separation from closely related genera.

In culture, aukinnars are noted in coastal folklore and are popular subjects for seabird watching and ecotourism programs.