Atlantic Puffin
Fratercula arctica
The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is a charming and distinctive seabird found across the North Atlantic Ocean. Renowned for its striking appearance, the puffin boasts a colorful plumage with a distinctive bright orange beak, which fades to gray during the winter months. These agile fliers are expert swimmers and divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater in search of small fish, their primary diet. Puffins typically nest in large colonies on coastal cliffs and islands, digging burrows or utilizing crevices for nesting sites. Their charismatic behavior and comical appearance have made them popular subjects for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. However, puffin populations have faced challenges due to factors like habitat loss and changing ocean conditions affecting their prey availability. Conservation efforts are vital to ensuring the continued survival of these iconic seabirds.