1. A small black and white seabird of the auk family, found in northern Atlantic and Arctic waters.
Usage: Also called little auk or rotche.; Ornithological term.

Examples

• The dovekey is one of the smallest members of the auk family.
• Dovekeies breed in large colonies on Arctic cliffs and islands.
• Birdwatchers spotted a dovekey near the coast during winter migration.
• The dovekey's small size and diving ability make it well-adapted to cold ocean waters.