Tufted Puffin
NameTufted Puffin
Common NameTufted Puffin
Scientific NameFratercula cirrhata
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)63
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark sooty-brown body, a bright white face, and a large, triangular, brilliant orange bill. During the breeding season, they develop prominent golden-yellow feather tufts that curl back from behind their eyes.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, but at breeding colonies, they produce a variety of low growls, grunts, and purring sounds, often described as a 'growling purr'.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal waters, rocky islands, cliffs, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the North Pacific Ocean, from northern California and British Columbia, through Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, to Siberia, the Kuril Islands, and Japan.
Identifying Featureslarge bright orange bill, white face, golden head tufts (breeding plumage), dark body plumage, red eye-ring
Description
The Tufted Puffin is a distinctive seabird known for its striking appearance, especially during breeding season. It spends most of its life at sea, diving efficiently to catch fish, and comes ashore to nest in large colonies on rocky islands and cliffs.
