ExploreBirds

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

The Rhinoceros Auklet is a special bird that looks like it has a little horn on its beak! It loves to swim in the ocean and can dive deep to catch fish. These birds are fun to watch as they flap their wings and dive underwater.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Rhinoceros Auklet is a medium-sized seabird with a dark gray back, a lighter belly, and a vibrant orange bill. During breeding season, it grows a distinct pale horn-like projection on its bill and white "whiskers" near its eyes, setting it apart.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyAlcidaeGenusCerorhinca
Rhinoceros Auklet
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgepiscivorous trait badgecoastal trait badge
Rhinoceros Auklet

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Rhinoceros Auklets spend almost their entire lives out at sea, rarely touching land.

Some Rhinoceros Auklets are known to live to be over 25 years old!

Their unique "horn" on the bill actually falls off after breeding season!

They use their strong webbed feet to help steer while diving deep for food.

Special abilities

Ability

Nocturnal Nester

Rhinoceros Auklets visit their nesting burrows only at night, a clever trick that helps them avoid hungry daytime predators.

Ability

Fish Carrier Extraordinaire

Rhinoceros Auklets have a special bill that helps them carry many small fish crosswise at once, perfect for feeding their chicks.

Ability

Burrow Builder

Rhinoceros Auklets can dig their own deep nesting burrows on islands, providing a safe, cozy home for their single egg.

Measurements & details

Length
35-41 cm
Wingspan
60-70 cm
Weight
0.5-0.8 kg
Lifespan
20-25 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
30-38 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These seabirds are expert divers, hunting small fish, squid, and krill deep in the ocean.

Primary Foods

  • Pacific Sandlance
  • Pacific Herring
  • Squid
  • Krill

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eats

Pacific Sandlance

Ammodytes hexapterus

A primary food source.

eats

Pacific Herring

Clupea pallasii

An important part of their diet.

eaten by

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Eagles can prey on adults and chicks.

eaten by

Northern River Otter

Lontra canadensis

Otters can raid their nesting burrows.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Rhinoceros Auklet?

35-41 cm

What is Rhinoceros Auklet's wingspan?

60-70 cm

How much does Rhinoceros Auklet weigh?

0.5-0.8 kg

How long does Rhinoceros Auklet live?

20-25 years

How fast can Rhinoceros Auklet move?

60 km/h

What does Rhinoceros Auklet eat?

These seabirds are expert divers, hunting small fish, squid, and krill deep in the ocean.

Where is Rhinoceros Auklet usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Rhinoceros Auklet hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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