Tufted Puffin
Image: Anna Krylova (cc-by-nc)
NameTufted Puffin
Common NameTufted Puffin
Scientific NameFratercula cirrhata
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)63
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)780
Plumage DetailsAdults in breeding plumage have a black body, a white face patch, and prominent yellow-gold feather tufts extending back from above the eyes. Their large, triangular bill is bright orange and yellow. In non-breeding plumage, the face is darker, the tufts are absent, and the bill is duller.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are generally low, guttural growls and grunts, often heard during breeding season at colonies. They can also produce a low, rumbling 'arrr-arrr-arrr' sound.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal cliffs, rocky islands, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the North Pacific Ocean, from the coasts of Alaska and British Columbia south to California, and west to Siberia and Japan. They breed on islands and coastal cliffs throughout this range.
Identifying FeaturesYellow head tufts (breeding plumage), Large, bright orange and yellow bill (breeding plumage), White face patch (breeding plumage), Dark body plumage, Excellent diving ability
Description
The Tufted Puffin is a distinctive seabird known for its striking yellow head plumes during breeding season. These birds are highly adapted for marine life, spending most of their time at sea and coming ashore only to breed in large colonies on coastal cliffs and islands.
