auk

Everyday

1. An auk is a black-and-white seabird of the cold northern seas, which dives and «flies» underwater to catch fish; puffins, guillemots and razorbills are kinds of auk. tree →
2. The great auk was a big flightless auk, hunted until it became extinct about two hundred years ago. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons auks are an example of birds adapted to the sea, and the great auk is a famous example of extinction caused by people. Auks look a little like penguins but live in the north and most can fly. Seen on cliffs of Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Iceland.

Examples

• Puffins are a kind of auk. tree →
• Auks nest on steep cliffs by the sea. tree →
• The great auk could not fly. tree →
• People hunted the great auk until none were left. tree →
• Auks use their wings to swim underwater. tree →
• We watched auks diving off the rocks. tree →
• Auks live in the north, penguins in the south. tree →

Note

Countable: auks. Rhymes with «hawk» (pronounced «awk»). Myth: auks are not penguins, though they look alike; most auks can fly.