Atlantic Puffin
NameAtlantic Puffin
Common NameAtlantic Puffin
Scientific NameFratercula arctica
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)31
Weight (g)430
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black back and wings, with white underparts. The face is white with a greyish cheek patch and a small, dark eye with a red ring. The most striking feature is the large, brightly colored bill, which is red, yellow, and blue-grey during the breeding season, becoming duller in winter.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, but at breeding colonies, they emit low growls, grunts, and purring sounds, often described as a 'growl-moan'.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal cliffs, open ocean, rocky islands
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeBreeds on coasts and islands of the North Atlantic Ocean, including Iceland, Norway, Greenland, eastern Canada, northeastern United States, and parts of the UK and Ireland. Spends winters at sea in the North Atlantic.
Identifying Featureslarge, brightly colored bill (red, yellow, blue-grey) during breeding season, black upperparts and white underparts, white face with a greyish cheek patch, red ring around the eye, orange legs and feet
Description
The Atlantic Puffin is a distinctive seabird known for its colorful, triangular bill during the breeding season. It is an adept swimmer and diver, using its wings to propel itself underwater in pursuit of small fish. These birds nest in large colonies on coastal cliffs and islands.
