Puffins are any of three species of small alcids (auks) in the bird genus Fratercula. These are pelagic seabirds that feed primarily by diving in the water. They breed in large colonies on coastal cliffs or offshore islands, nesting in crevices among rocks or in burrows in the soil.

It is the only puffin native to the Atlantic Ocean; two related species, the tufted puffin and the horned puffin being found in the northeastern Pacific.

Murres, auklets and puffins are all sea birds that only come ashore to nest. The most unique is the Marbled murrelet which flies inland - sometimes great distances - to nest in coastal coniferous forests.

It breeds in burrows on islands in the North Atlantic, and winters at sea. In flight, puffins flap their small wings frantically to stay aloft—but underwater those wings become powerful flippers that allow the birds to catch small fish one by one until they have a beak full.

Ready for the lowdown one one of nature’s most fascinating birds? Then check out our ten puffin facts! 1. Nicknamed “ sea parrots ” – and sometimes “ clowns of the sea “! – Atlantic puffins have black and white feathers and a large parrot-like beak. They are small seabirds measuring around 25cm in length. 2.

Puffins are a group of marine birds distinguished by black, dark grey, or black and white, plumage and a vibrantly colored beak. The four puffins are the Tufted Puffin, the Horned Puffin, the Atlantic Puffin, and the Rhinoceros Auklet.

21 小时之前 · Puffins return to roosting sites alongside their lifelong mates, where they lay their eggs in burrows. Both males and females take turns incubating the eggs until they hatch, about 43 days later.