Tufted Puffin Identification

Tufted Puffin Breeding
Breeding

Stocky black seabird. Breeding birds have a white face, long yellow plumes at the back of the head, and a large triangular red and orangish bill.

© Andrew Spencer | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, May 30, 2013
Tufted Puffin Breeding
Breeding

Large mostly black seabird with an unmistakable red bill. Breeding birds have yellow head plumes.

© Matt Brady | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 25, 2010
Tufted Puffin Breeding
Breeding

Mostly black seabird with large, triangular bill. Breeding birds have extravagant head plumes and face pattern, but this can be difficult to see at long range.

© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 21, 2002
Tufted Puffin Nonbreeding
Nonbreeding

Nonbreeding birds are dark overall, with a gray face, reduced yellow plumes, and a smaller orange and gray bill.

© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 27, 2010
Tufted Puffin Breeding
Breeding

In flight, entirely black below including underwings.

© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, August 30, 2004
Tufted Puffin Nonbreeding
Nonbreeding

Nonbreeding birds have smaller bills, lacking the yellow plates visible during the breeding season. Appears entirely dark at a distance.

© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 27, 2010
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Adult Description

Stocky, large-headed, dark seabird. Breeding adult all black except for white face and long golden plumes curling over back of head and neck. Bill large and red-orange, with a bright-orange yellow plate over the base. Nonbreeding adult has dark gray face with no head plumes or bill plate.

Immature Description

Resembles nonbreeding adult, with dusky eyes instead of yellow.
Relative Size

Relative Sizecrow sizedcrow-sized
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 14.2-15.8 in (36-40 cm)
    • Weight: 18.3-35.3 oz (520-1000 g)