ExploreBirds

Tufted Puffin

Fratercula cirrhata

The Tufted Puffin is a colorful bird with a funny, fluffy hairstyle! They have bright orange beaks and love to dive underwater to catch fish. These birds are great swimmers and can hold their breath for a long time!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Tufted Puffin has a striking black body with a prominent white face patch, crowned by distinctive long, golden-yellow feather tufts extending back from its eyes. Its large, triangular bill turns vibrant orange and yellow during breeding season, making it easily identifiable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyAlcidaeGenusFratercula
Tufted Puffin
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgecolorful trait badgepiscivorous trait badge
Tufted Puffin

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby puffins are called 'pufflings' and they grow very fast on a diet of fresh fish!

Puffin pairs often return to the exact same burrow year after year to raise their single chick.

They spend most of their lives far out at sea, only coming ashore to breed.

Tufted Puffin feet are bright orange too, perfect for steering when they swim fast!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Wings

Tufted Puffins can 'fly' underwater, flapping their powerful wings to propel themselves through the ocean in pursuit of fish.

Ability

Fish-Holding Beak

Tufted Puffins have a specially adapted, serrated beak that helps them carry up to a dozen small fish at once for their chicks.

Ability

Deep Sea Diver

Tufted Puffins can dive over 60 meters deep to catch food, thanks to their dense bones and efficient oxygen use.

Measurements & details

Length
35-40 cm
Wingspan
60-70 cm
Weight
0.7-0.8 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
65 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
40-45 days

Diet & Feeding

These sea birds mainly eat small fish and marine invertebrates caught by diving deep underwater.

Primary Foods

  • Sandlance
  • Herring
  • Capelin
  • Squid
  • Crustaceans

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Tufted Puffin?

35-40 cm

What is Tufted Puffin's wingspan?

60-70 cm

How much does Tufted Puffin weigh?

0.7-0.8 kg

How long does Tufted Puffin live?

15-20 years

How fast can Tufted Puffin move?

65 km/h

What does Tufted Puffin eat?

These sea birds mainly eat small fish and marine invertebrates caught by diving deep underwater.

Where is Tufted Puffin usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Tufted Puffin hunt?

Pursuit

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Where to spot

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