Alcae

The Alcae are a suborder of birds within the order Charadriiformes. This group is synonymous with the family Alcidae, which includes well-known birds such as auks, murres, and puffins. These diving birds are characterized by their short wings and tails, webbed feet, and heavy bodies with thick plumage. They are found in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Fossil evidence suggests that auk-like birds existed as early as the Eocene epoch, with some ancient forms being less adapted for underwater flight than modern species.1234