Bird
Dovekie
Alle alleAlso known as Little Auk
Dovekies are tiny, starling-sized seabirds that gather by the millions on high-Arctic scree slopes during the short polar summer. They zip low over cold ocean waters with fast, whirring wingbeats, diving deep to filter dense swarms of energy-rich copepods. Vocal breeding colonies resonate with high-pitched chattering calls that echo across remote northern boulder fields.
SeabirdArcticOcean Diver
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCalanoid Copepods, Krill, Amphipods
Predators
- Glaucous Gull
- Arctic Fox
- Polar Bear
ThreatsClimate change altering copepod distribution, ocean warming, and oil spills
HabitatsArctic tundra cliffs, scree slopes, open ocean, and pack ice edges
Life span15–20 years
Classification
- FamilyAlcidae
- SpeciesAlle alle
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance; avoid disturbing breeding colonies on Arctic scree slopes.
- What to notice
- Tiny black and white seabird with a short stubby bill and fast whirring flight pattern.
- Support conservation
- Observe breeding cliffs from offshore vessels using optics and avoid landing on active nesting scree.
Responsible observation
- Ocean Watching: Scan open water near the pack-ice edge with binoculars or a spotting scope during migration.
- Colony Care: Avoid climbing scree slopes where colonies nest, as loose rocks can collapse nest crevices.
Colony Companion (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning · cc-by
Predator Alastair Rae from London, UK / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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