Tufted Puffin
NameTufted Puffin
Common NameTufted Puffin
Scientific NameFratercula cirrhata
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)37.5
Weight (g)825
Plumage DetailsAdults in breeding plumage have a dark body, a white face patch, and prominent golden-yellow tufts extending back from behind the eyes. Their large, triangular bill is bright orange-red with a yellow base. Non-breeding plumage is duller, lacking the prominent tufts and with a smaller, less colorful bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are generally limited to breeding colonies, consisting of low growls, grunts, and rumbles. They are typically silent at sea.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal waters, rocky islands, cliffs, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the North Pacific Ocean, from northern Japan and the Kuril Islands, through the Bering Sea, and along the coasts of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California.
Identifying Featuresgolden-yellow head tufts (breeding plumage), large, bright orange-red bill with yellow base, dark body plumage, white face patch (breeding plumage), stocky build
Description
The Tufted Puffin is a distinctive seabird known for its striking golden head tufts during the breeding season. It is an expert diver, using its wings to 'fly' underwater in pursuit of fish. This species spends most of its life at sea, coming ashore only to breed in large colonies on rocky islands and cliffs.
