The little auk or dovekie
21.10.2020
Lestrar 76
Photo: Anna María Sigvaldadóttir
This small seabird - little auk or alle alle (haftyrðill in icelandic) is one of the most abundant seabird species in the North Atlantic.
At the turn of the 20th century there were an estimated 150 to 200 breeding pairs in Iceland but the breeding population has declined steadily since. Only one pair remained in 1993 and since 1997 none has been seen at the last known breeding site, on the island of Grímsey, north of Iceland.
At the turn of the 20th century there were an estimated 150 to 200 breeding pairs in Iceland but the breeding population has declined steadily since. Only one pair remained in 1993 and since 1997 none has been seen at the last known breeding site, on the island of Grímsey, north of Iceland.
This rare bird was spotted in Grímsey yesterday and after a brief visit in the village it was brought back to the coast where it flew off - hopefully to return with a mate next spring.
For more information about the specie
For more information about the specie