What is a "great auk"?

A great auk, scientifically known as Pinguinus impennis, was a remarkable and now-extinct bird species that once thrived in the North Atlantic region. It was a large, flightless bird with a stocky build, black and white plumage, and a unique appearance. The great auk was well adapted to its marine habitat, using its short wings for underwater propulsion to swim and dive in search of fish. It nested in large colonies on remote, rocky islands, where it faced challenges from predators and human exploitation. Tragically, due to overhunting and the demand for its feathers, meat, and eggs, the great auk met its untimely demise in the mid-19th century, and its extinction stands as a stark reminder of the impact of human activities on fragile species.