Atlantic puffin
Fratercula arctica
Identification Tips:
- 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.