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Atlantic Puffin

Fratercula arctica ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: ALCIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Atlantic Puffin Photo

© Stephen Kress/CLO

A natty black-and-white seabird with a huge, multicolored bill, the Atlantic Puffin looks like a clown of the sea. It breeds in colonies on rocky islands in the North Atlantic and winters at sea.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Ducklike
Ducklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Stocky, large-headed black-and-white bird.
  • Large triangular bill colored red, blue, and yellow in summer, but duller in winter.
  • White cheek.
  • Black back, neck and top of head.
  • Legs orange.

Immature Description

Immature similar to winter adult, but bill thinner.

Range Map Help

Atlantic Puffin Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings