Great Auk

The original penguin of the Northern Hemisphere/Dinosaurs & Extinct Animals

The great auk (Pinguinus impennis) was a large, flightless seabird that once inhabited the coasts of the North Atlantic. Standing about 75 cm tall and weighing roughly 5 kg, it was the largest member of the auk family. Despite its penguin-like appearance, it was unrelated to Southern Hemisphere penguins. The word 'penguin' was originally used for the great auk before being applied to the birds we know today. Hunted for its feathers, meat, and oil, the last confirmed pair was killed on Eldey island, Iceland, on June 3, 1844.