Rhinoceros Auklet

Rhinoceros Auklet photographed on a recent trip. Taken between Vitskari Rocks and Low Island.

Rhinoceros Auklets seem to be one of the more frequently encountered water birds on Sitka Sound. I don’t think they’re necessarily more abundant population-wise, but more that their feeding habits keep them around locations boats tend to travel (or at least the ones I’ve been on). There is some on-going research on the auklets nesting at St. Lazaria, I think primarily looking at their diets and foraging strategies. I would like to speak with the researcher to learn more, but as of yet, have not had the opportunity to do so.

Additional photos of Rhinoceros Auklets


  • How many Rhinoceros Auklets are nesting on St. Lazaria?
  • Are most/all the birds seen on the water St. Lazaria nests?
  • How do they figure out where food is?
  • Are they able to communicate with each other about food locations?
  • Is it possible to distinguish male from female without having the bird in hand?
  • Does the horn shed in one piece, or basically just fall apart?

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