Winter distribution and wrecks of Little Auks (Dovekies) Alle a. alle in the Northwest Atlantic

The numbers and distributions of breeding seabirds in the North Atlantic are relatively well documented. There is, however, very little information available regarding seabird distributions at sea, particularly direct observation in winter. Offshore coverage, albeit irregular, has increased slightly in recent years. The Little Auk (Dovekie) Alle a. alle is the smallest of the Atlantic auks, and the most abundant seabird in the North Atlantic. We describe the general winter distribution of Little Auks, with reference to recoveries of ringed birds, and present details of flights and wrecks in the northwest Atlantic region.