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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: ALCIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Rhinoceros Auklet Photo

© cdbtx

Named for the vertical white plate at the base of its bill, the Rhinoceros Auklet is a bird of the coastlines and open seas of the north Pacific. The only member of its genus, it is closely related to puffins.

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Appearance

Ducklike
Ducklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Medium-sized, stocky waterbird. All dark gray, except for white belly. Breeding adult has vertical white projection at base of orange bill, and two thin white plumes on face.

Immature Description

Similar to non-breeding adult, with dusky bill and a reduced "horn."

Range Map Help

Rhinoceros Auklet Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
    Zoom In

    Rhinoceros Auklet

    Adult
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Protection Island, Washington
  • Adult nonbreeding
    Zoom In

    Rhinoceros Auklet

    Adult nonbreeding
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Similar Species

  • Tufted Puffin and Horned Puffin are heavier, with much larger bills.
  • Other auklets are smaller, with shorter bills.
  • Murres have white throats, bellies, and flanks.