Atlantic Puffin

Black upperparts, white underparts, and pale grey facial mask. During the breeding season, the bill becomes brightly colored in orange and yellow with blue-grey bases, and distinct fleshy orbital rings form around the eyes. Non-breeding plumage shows a duller, smaller bill and darker cheeks. Males and females look virtually identical, though males tend to be slightly larger.

Distinctive brightly colored triangular banded bill, white face patch bordered by black, black cap and back, white underparts, and bright orange legs.

Length: 28-30 cm (11-12 inches), Wingspan: 47-63 cm (19-25 inches), Weight: 300-500 g (11-18 oz)

Usually silent at sea, but emits a low, growling or purring sound, often compared to a small chainsaw, when inside or near its nesting burrow.

Small schooling fish such as sand lances, herring, capelin, as well as squid and crustaceans. They forage by diving underwater, propelling themselves with their wings, and can hold dozens of fish in their bill at once.

Pelagic open ocean during the winter and coastal cliffs, grassy slopes, and islands with soil suitable for burrowing during the breeding season.

Migratory; leaves breeding colonies in late summer to spend the winter months spread across the open North Atlantic Ocean.

Nests in colonies by excavating a burrow in the soil on a cliffside or using natural rock crevices. Lays a single white egg. Both parents share incubation duties and feed the chick.

Horned Puffin and Tufted Puffin of the Pacific Ocean, but Atlantic Puffins are distinguished by their specific Atlantic range and the distinct facial and bill markings.

Acts as a marine apex predator indicator species, helping scientists monitor the health of ocean fish stocks and marine ecosystems.

Vulnerable, with populations experiencing rapid declines due to climate change, decreasing food availability, and invasive predators.

Visit coastal seabird colonies on islands or high northern cliffs during late spring or summer. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe them from a safe distance without disturbing nesting burrows.

Atlantic Puffins can fly at speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h) by flapping their wings rapidly at up to 400 times per minute.