Atlantic Puffin: Characteristics, Sightseeing & Images

The Atlantic Puffin is a black-and-white seabird with a colorful beak which is often called the “clown of the sea.” These birds spend most of their lives at sea along the rocky coasts. They are excellent divers and use their wings to “fly” underwater while hunting.

Every summer, they return to coastal islands to nest in burrows and raise their chicks. Their population is declining due to climate change and overfishing, but conservation efforts are helping to protect them.

Characteristics of Atlantic Puffin

These are small birds with an attractive look and grab the attention of most people.

Interesting Facts Related to Atlantic Puffin

Atlantic puffins are quite amazing in a way that they possess different habits from other birds.

1. Nicknamed “Sea Parrot”

Its colorful beak and bright eyes give it the look of a parrot. This earned it the nickname “Sea Parrot” in the coastal regions.

2. They Can Hold Dozens of Fish at Once

They can carry up to 30 small fish at a time while hunting with a special hinging mechanism in their beak.

3. Found in U.S. Waters Only in Summer

Atlantic puffins migrate to coastal islands in summer where they breed.

4. They Spend Most of Their Lives at Sea

Puffins are rarely seen on land outside the breeding season and can float on the ocean for months without touching the shore.

5. Puffins Are Masters of Diving

They can dive as deep as 200 feet, using their wings like flippers to “fly” underwater in search of fish.

6. Their Beaks Change Color

Their bright orange beaks fade to a dull gray during winter and regain their vibrant colors only in spring.

7. They Use the Same Burrow for Life

Mated puffins return to the same underground burrow year after year to raise their chicks.

8. Puffin Chicks Are Called “Pufflings”

Pufflings are adorable and fluffy chicks which stay hidden in burrows until they’re ready to head out to sea.

9. They Have Built-In Goggles

A special membrane over their eyes protects them while swimming underwater, like built-in goggles.

10. Puffins Communicate With Head Movements

They bob their heads and bow to each other as a form of greeting or courtship display.

11. They Are Surprisingly Fast Fliers

Puffins can flap up to 400 times per minute and reach speeds of 55 mph despite their thick wings.

12. Puffins Are Extremely Loyal

Puffins remain with the same mate for life once they are paired and reconnect each breeding season.

13. They Have a Unique Way of Landing

They often crash-land on the water or tumble onto rocks due to their awkward flying skills.

Sightseeing of Atlantic Puffins

They are mostly spotted at the coasts during their breeding season and remain over water during winters

Atlantic Puffin Images

Photography Tips for Atlantic Puffin

These birds do not give easy chances of photography and here are some tips to capture them with your lens

• Visit coastal areas in summer for the best chances to spot Atlantic Puffins.
• Use a zoom lens (at least 300mm) to capture close-up shots.
• Shoot during early morning or late evening for soft lighting and vibrant colors.
• Focus on their expressive eyes and bright beaks to bring out their unique personality in photos.
• Be patient and observe them during takeoff and landing for dynamic action shots.

Wrapping Up

These small and attractive birds display the most beautiful living forms on the planet. They are unique to the Atlantic Ocean and fly over the water for most of their lives. Both partners raise the babies together and make sure their nutrition is properly fulfilled. They are a symbol of beauty in the coastal areas.

FAQs

1. Where can you find Atlantic Puffins in the USA?

Atlantic Puffins are mostly found along the coast of Maine, especially on islands like Machias Seal Island and Eastern Egg Rock.

2. What do Atlantic Puffins eat?

They mainly eat small fish like herring and sand eels, which they catch by diving underwater.

3. When is the best time to see Atlantic Puffins in the USA?

The best time to see them is from May to August when they come to breed on coastal islands.

4. Are Atlantic Puffins endangered?

They are not endangered but are classified as “vulnerable” due to threats like climate change and overfishing.

5. Why do Atlantic Puffins have colorful beaks?

Their beaks turn bright orange during the breeding season to attract mates, and they fade after the season ends.