Tufted Puffin
NameTufted Puffin
Common NameTufted Puffin
Scientific NameFratercula cirrhata
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)65.5
Length (cm)37.5
Weight (g)800
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark body, a white face patch, and long, prominent yellow plumes curling back from behind the eyes. Their large, triangular bill is bright orange with a yellow base, and their feet are also orange.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include low growls, grunts, and rumbles, particularly heard at breeding colonies. They are generally quiet at sea.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the North Pacific Ocean, breeding on islands and coastal cliffs from Alaska and British Columbia south to California, and west to Russia and Japan.
Identifying FeaturesLarge orange bill, Long yellow head plumes, White face patch, Dark body plumage, Orange feet
Description
The Tufted Puffin is a distinctive seabird characterized by its large, colorful bill and prominent yellow head plumes during breeding season. It is an expert diver, using its wings to 'fly' underwater in pursuit of fish.
