The Dovekie is the smallest alcid in the Atlantic, barely the size of a starling, yet it winters in enormous numbers on the open North Atlantic ocean — the world population is estimated at over 30 million birds. It flies with rapid, whirring wingbeats and dives to catch tiny crustaceans and small fish. In rare 'wrecks' during North Atlantic storms, exhausted birds are blown far inland.
Habitat
Open North Atlantic ocean in winter; arctic cliffs and tundra in summer
Diet
Copepods, amphipods, and small fish
How common
Uncommon
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