Tufted Puffin
Image: Anna Krylova (cc-by-nc)
NameTufted Puffin
Common NameTufted Puffin
Scientific NameFratercula cirrhata
FamilyAlcidae
Wingspan (cm)63.5
Length (cm)37.5
Weight (g)882.5
Plumage DetailsBreeding adults have a dark sooty-brown body, a white face patch, and striking golden-yellow plumes extending backward from above the eyes. Their bill is large, triangular, and bright orange with a yellow base. Non-breeding plumage is duller, lacking the prominent plumes, and the bill is smaller and less vibrant.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet when at sea. On breeding grounds, they produce a variety of low, guttural growls, grunts, and roars, often heard during territorial disputes or interactions within the colony.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsmarine, coastal cliffs, rocky islands
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 Featureslarge orange bill, long golden head plumes (breeding), white face patch (breeding), dark body, stocky build
Description
The Tufted Puffin is a distinctive seabird known for its stocky build, large orange bill, and prominent golden-yellow head plumes during the breeding season. These birds are expert swimmers and divers, spending most of their lives at sea and coming ashore only to breed in large colonies on coastal cliffs and islands.
