Atlantic Puffin

1 week ago

Points: 70

Spotted

An iconic seabird with a distinctive, brightly colored triangular bill during the breeding season, giving it a comical appearance. Often called 'sea parrots,' they are excellent divers and a symbol of northern seas.

Where to spot

North Atlantic Ocean, breeding in large colonies on rocky islands and coasts from North America to Europe. They spend winters far out at sea, often hundreds of kilometers from land.

How to spot

Observe breeding colonies respectfully from a distance or on organized tours. Look for their distinctive bill and waddling gait on land, or watch them fly with rapid wingbeats over the water.

When to spot

Best seen during the breeding season (late spring to mid-summer) when they are ashore in large, often accessible, colonies. They disperse widely at sea during the non-breeding period.

Where to spot

North Atlantic Ocean, breeding in large colonies on rocky islands and coasts from North America to Europe. They spend winters far out at sea, often hundreds of kilometers from land.

How to spot

Observe breeding colonies respectfully from a distance or on organized tours. Look for their distinctive bill and waddling gait on land, or watch them fly with rapid wingbeats over the water.

When to spot

Best seen during the breeding season (late spring to mid-summer) when they are ashore in large, often accessible, colonies. They disperse widely at sea during the non-breeding period.

Credits: superhilly1

Credits: Dirk-Jan van Roest

Credits: Nils van Rooijen

Credits: Kees Waterlander

Credits: Ulrich Latzenhofer

Credits: Eugene of Norway

Atlantic Puffins can carry dozens of small fish, like sand eels, crosswise in their bill at one time to feed their young, thanks to their specialized grooved bill and spiny tongue.

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