Atlantic Puffin
Fratercula arctica
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedAves · Charadriiformes · Alcidae
About
The Atlantic puffin, also known as the common puffin, is a species of seabird in the auk family. It is the only puffin native to the Atlantic Ocean; two related species, the tufted puffin and the horned puffin, are found in the northeastern Pacific. The Atlantic puffin breeds in Russia, Iceland, Ireland, Britain, Norway, Greenland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and the Faroe Islands, and as far south as Maine in the west and France in the east. It is most commonly found in the Westman Islands, Iceland. Although it has a large population and a wide range, the species has declined rapidly, at least in parts of its range, resulting in it being rated as vulnerable by the IUCN. On land, it has the typical upright stance of an auk. At sea, it swims on the surface and feeds on zooplankton, small fish, and crabs, which it catches by diving underwater, using its wings for propulsion.
Fun Fact
Atlantic puffins can carry 10 or more small fish crosswise in their beaks at once, held in place by backward-facing spines on their tongue and upper palate, and they use their wings to 'fly' underwater.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Coastal cliffs and open ocean
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
20-30 years
Threats
- Poaching
- Ocean Pollution
- Ocean Acidification