Pronunciation: [ˈɔːk] (IPA) 
The tiny seabird called an "auk" is a tricky word to spell. It is pronounced as /ɔːk/, with a long "o" sound followed by a silent "k". The word originates from the Icelandic word "álka", which was anglicized to "auk". Even though the "k" is not pronounced, it is kept in the spelling to pay homage to the word's Icelandic roots. Next time you come across an auk, remember that its spelling is a nod to its cultural heritage.
Auk is a noun that refers to a type of seabird belonging to the family Alcidae, typically found in northern regions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These birds possess a compact body, short wings, and a distinctive appearance with a black or dark brown coloration on their upper parts, a white belly, and a stout beak. Known for their excellent swimming and diving abilities, auks are well-adapted for marine life.
These birds primarily feed on fish and invertebrates, capturing them underwater during their dives and using their specialized beak to catch their prey. With their webbed feet positioned far back on their bodies, auks are efficient swimmers, enabling them to navigate well in water. Some well-known types of auks include the puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and murres.
Furthermore, auks are colonial birds, often nesting in large colonies on rocky cliffs and islands. They construct their nests in crevices or burrows, where they lay their eggs during the breeding season. These eggs are generally large and have a pointed shape.
Regrettably, many species of auks have experienced a significant decline in population due to factors like overfishing, pollution, and changes in their habitat. Conservation efforts have been initiated to protect these remarkable seabirds and secure their crucial ecological role in the marine ecosystem.
The name of various seabirds.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "auk" is derived from the Old Norse word "álka" and the Old Icelandic word "álka". These words were further derived from the Proto-Germanic term "alksnō" which simply meant "auk". Ultimately, the origin of "auk" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*albho-" which meant "white" or "swan". This is likely due to the white coloration of some auk species, similar to that of a swan.
