Definition:

(noun) A type of diving pelagic bird that typically has black and white plumage, a short neck and webbed feet with a chunky body and short wings. These birds have a relatively upright posture and can resemble penguins, though the two types of birds are not closely related. Most auks are found in northern seas where their compact bodies are well adapted for colder waters.

Types of auks include the murres, murrelets, guillemots, puffins and auklets, such as the pigeon guillemot, razorbill, Atlantic puffin, rhinocerous auklet and marbled murrelet.

Photo – Pigeon Guillemot © Alan Vernon

Pronunciation:

AWK