Whiskered Auklet vs Crested Auklet

The Whiskered Auklet and Crested Auklet are both small seabirds found in the Bering Sea region, but they can be distinguished by their facial features and plumage. The Whiskered Auklet has distinctive white facial plumes, while the Crested Auklet sports a prominent crest on its forehead.

Look for the white facial plumes of the Whiskered Auklet to distinguish it from the Crested Auklet's prominent forehead crest. Both species have a citrus-like odor, which is not a reliable field mark but an interesting shared trait.

Both species are similar in size, with the Whiskered Auklet being slightly smaller.

The Whiskered Auklet features white whisker-like plumes on its face, whereas the Crested Auklet is characterized by a notable crest on its forehead. Both have dark plumage but the Crested Auklet's plumage may appear slightly more uniform.

Both species exhibit social behaviors at breeding sites, but the Crested Auklet is known for its elaborate courtship displays and aggressive competition for mates, which involve its crest.

Both species breed on remote islands in the Bering Sea, often in mixed colonies, but the Crested Auklet is more likely to be seen in larger flocks during winter.

Both species have distinctive calls, but specific differences in vocalizations are not well-documented in the provided sources.