Tufted Puffin
Image: Anna Krylova (cc-by-nc)
NameTufted Puffin
Common NameTufted Puffin
Scientific NameFratercula cirrhata
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)63.5
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)800
Plumage DetailsBreeding adults have a dark sooty-brown body, a white face patch, and prominent yellow-gold feather tufts extending from behind the eyes. Their large, triangular bill is bright orange and yellow. Non-breeding birds lack the tufts and white face patch, and their bill is duller.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet at sea, Tufted Puffins produce low growls, grunts, and whirring sounds at their breeding colonies, often during courtship or territorial displays.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsoceanic, rocky islands, cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the North Pacific Ocean, from the Aleutian Islands and Alaska south to California, and westward to the Kuril Islands and Japan.
Identifying Featuresyellow head tufts (breeding), large bright orange and yellow bill (breeding), dark body plumage, white face patch (breeding), upright posture on land
Description
The Tufted Puffin is a distinctive seabird known for its striking breeding plumage, featuring long yellow head tufts and a large, colorful bill. These birds are expert divers, using their wings to 'fly' underwater in pursuit of fish.
