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What is an Atlantic Puffin?

Greer Hed
Greer Hed

An Atlantic puffin, also known as a common puffin, is a seabird of the species Fratercula artica and a member of the auk family. It is one of only four puffin species worldwide, and the only puffin species found living in the Atlantic Ocean region. The Atlantic puffin typically remains at sea for most of the year, and only comes inland to breed. Its breeding grounds are typically found in eastern North America, Iceland, and northern Europe. These birds are often nicknamed "sea parrots" or "clowns of the ocean" because of their visually striking black and white feathers and their brightly colored beaks.

The Atlantic puffin is typically about 10 to 11 inches (47 to 63 centimeters) in length from its tail to the tip of its bill, with female birds measuring slightly less than their male counterparts. Birds have black feathers on their backs and wings and white feathers covering their cheeks, breasts, stomachs, and legs. The Atlantic puffin also has dark markings around its eyes that somewhat resemble dramatically applied black eyeliner. Birds have large, wedge-shaped bills that are vivid orange, yellow, and deep blue in color; these colors intensify during the mating season, as male birds use their brightly colored bills to attract mates. Their legs are also orange, with webbed feet.

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Frog

These seabirds spend the majority of their time in open water and dive for their food. They are strong and graceful swimmers, usually using their wings as paddles when swimming underwater. By contrast, they are clumsy and awkward in flight and also when walking. The diet of the Atlantic puffin consists mostly of small fish, but also includes shellfish and mollusks. Birds often dive several times before finally swallowing their prey whole, and can hold as many as a dozen small fish in their beaks, using their tongues to keep their prey in their mouths while they hunt for more.

The breeding season of the Atlantic puffin typically occurs between the months of May and August. This is the only time of year when the birds venture inland to form small nesting colonies on sandy cliffs and rocky outcroppings. Male puffins dig out a burrow using their feet and beaks; this nesting burrow is then lined with grasses and weeds. Females usually lay only one egg in the burrow and take turns with the males incubating the egg by covering it with their wings. The eggs usually take about 40 days to hatch, and the chicks take about another 40 days to reach maturity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Atlantic Puffin?

The Atlantic Puffin, also known as Fratercula arctica, is a small, charismatic seabird with a distinctive colorful beak and white facial markings. It's part of the auk family and is renowned for its exceptional diving ability, using its wings to 'fly' underwater while hunting for fish. These birds are often seen in the North Atlantic Ocean, breeding on coastal cliffs or offshore islands.

Where can you find Atlantic Puffins?

Atlantic Puffins are primarily found in the North Atlantic Ocean. They breed on the coasts of northern Europe, the eastern coast of Canada, the northeastern United States, and the high Arctic. Notably, Iceland is home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the world, with an estimated 8 to 10 million puffins inhabiting the island, according to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.

What do Atlantic Puffins eat?

Atlantic Puffins are piscivorous, meaning their diet consists mainly of fish. They favor small fish such as herring, sand eels, and capelin. These adept hunters can catch and hold multiple fish crosswise in their beaks, thanks to the unique structure of their jaw which allows them to open their mouth while holding onto their catch. This adaptation is crucial for feeding their chicks during the breeding season.

How do Atlantic Puffins breed?

Atlantic Puffins are monogamous and often return to the same breeding site each year. They nest in burrows on cliff edges or rocky outcrops, which they may dig themselves or take over from other creatures. The female lays a single egg, and both parents share incubation duties for around 39 to 45 days. After hatching, the chick, known as a puffling, is cared for by both parents until it fledges.

Are Atlantic Puffins endangered?

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, the Atlantic Puffin is classified as 'Vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Threats to their population include overfishing, which depletes their food sources, and climate change, which affects the availability and distribution of prey. Additionally, invasive species and pollution pose significant risks to their habitats and overall survival.

How long do Atlantic Puffins live?

Atlantic Puffins can live quite a long life for birds of their size, with a lifespan typically ranging from 20 to 25 years. However, they face many challenges, including predation and environmental threats. The oldest known Atlantic Puffin was recorded to be over 36 years old, demonstrating their potential for longevity under favorable conditions.

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