GREAT AUK

The Great Auk was the “penguin of the north". This 30 inch flightless bird ranged along most of the north Atlantic, but its nesting areas made it vulnerable to hunters.  They were often herded in mass numbers by passing sailors for meat or for feathers for pillows. One of the last major breeding islands on Funk Island was destroyed in a volcanic eruption.  

The last documented breeding pair was killed on Eldey Island off the southwest coast of Iceland on July 3, 1844.  The men who killed this pair reportedly crushed an egg in the process.  

 There may have been a few other sightings after this date, but July 3, 1844 is usually set as the Great Auk's extinction date.

Additional Resources:

* http://www.birdorable.com/meet/great-auk/

* http://www.lostbirdfilm.org/explore_greatauk

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HU2l2Jmhu4 
(film by David Min - junior reporter)

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIL357oO_l4 (Extinct or Alive episode

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CsWEmiKERg (CGI video)

* https://www.12images.net/galleries/extinct-animals/great-auk/ 
Image of Great Auk with egg from Wikipedia
Me next to the Great Auk statue in Iceland looking out
at Eldey Island, where the Great Auk went extinct.










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