great auk Pinguinus impennis flightless bird extinct 19th century oceans North-Atlantic coastal waters Native Americans culture symbol
Great auk – a flightless alcid from the waters of the North Atlantic. By the mid-sixteenth century, the nesting colonies along the European side of the Atlantic were nearly all eliminated by humans killing this bird for its down, which was used to make pillows. The last confirmed sighting of a member of the species dates from 1852.
The original design was made primarily for being printed as a poster, but you can find modified versions – more suitable for t-shirts, hoodies etc. – in my store:
All my profit from this series goes to the Sea Shepherd to support their fight to save our oceans and marine wildlife.