Great Auk

Pinguinus impennis

The Great Auk, or Pinguinus impennis, was a large, flightless seabird that inhabited the North Atlantic. It was about 75 to 85 centimeters in height and had a distinctive black back, white belly, and a large, robust beak. Great Auks were primarily fish-eaters and were known for their awkward movements on land but graceful swimming abilities. Unfortunately, due to overhunting for its feathers, eggs, and meat, the Great Auk became extinct in the mid-19th century. Efforts to protect its remaining populations were unsuccessful, leading to its tragic demise.

Habitat: North Atlantic coastal waters