Auks are similar to penguins in their black-and-white colours, their upright posture and some of their habits.
In contrast to penguins though the modern auks are able to fly. They are good swimmers and divers, but their walking appears clumsy. Due to their short wings auks have to flap their wings very quickly in order to fly.
Auks live on the open sea and only go ashore for breeding.