Small, blackish, eccentric-looking alcid. Breeds on remote volcanic islands in far northeastern Russia and the western Aleutians of Alaska; winters in the surrounding ocean. Breeding adult has a bright orange bill, fine white whiskers on the face, and a wispy black tuft that droops forward. Non-breeding adults have a short black tuft and much-reduced white whiskers. Crested Auklet is larger, with a stouter bill and a much smaller or completely lacking crest.