Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica

Identification Tips:

• Length: 11 inches
• Sexes similar
• Immature similar to adult basic but bill is smaller and darker
• Medium sized alcid that dives for food from water surface
• Very large bill
• Black crown, nape, throat, and upperparts
• White breast, belly, and undertail coverts
• Red legs and feet
• Breeds on rocky islands and coasts in northeastern United States and eastern Canada
• Pelagic in winter south to mid-Atlantic states

Adult alternate

• Extremely colorful bill
• White, triangular face patch

Adult basic

• Bill somewhat duller
• Gray, triangular face patch

Similar species:

The Atlantic Puffin is the only puffin within its range. Its huge, colorful bill is diagnostic. Immatures can look vaguely similar to Razorbills but have a grayish face and lack the white secondary bar. Murres are slimmer-billed.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.