Rhinoceros Auklet and a pair of Sand Lance

Rhinoceros Auklet Point Wilson, originally uploaded by rlw5663.

This breeding Rhinoceros Auklet is carrying a pair of Sand Lance which are relatively easy to identify because of their very skinny fusiform shape and the strong contrast between the dark back and bright silver belly. The tail fin appears to be under water but the caudal penduncle tapers symmetrically and very quickly which helps distinguish these fish from any other eel or lamprey. Sand Lance are very flexible and hang down from the bills regardless of the predator. If the exposed culmen is estimated at 32 mm then the fish must be 15 cm or 5 bill lengths.