Critter Intros: The Atlantic Puffin

Quick Facts About the Atlantic Puffin

• Common Name: Atlantic Puffin

• Scientific Name: Fratercula arctica

• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

• Habitat: Coastal cliffs and islands in the North Atlantic

• Size: About 10 inches (25 cm) tall with a wingspan of 20 inches (50 cm)

The Atlantic puffin is a small, seabird known for its colorful beak and striking black-and-white plumage. Often called the "clown of the sea," this bird is an expert diver, using its wings to propel itself underwater while hunting for fish. Puffins breed on rocky cliffs and islands, where they nest in burrows and raise a single chick, known as a "puffling." Their populations are primarily found in the North Atlantic, with large colonies in Iceland, Norway, and parts of Canada. However, climate change and overfishing have led to a decline in their numbers, classifying them as vulnerable on the conservation scale.

Beyond their unique appearance, puffins play a critical role in marine ecosystems, helping to regulate fish populations. They are also culturally significant in many coastal communities, where they have been part of folklore and local traditions for centuries. Despite their conservation challenges, efforts are underway to protect puffin habitats and restore declining populations. Conservationists focus on reducing fishing pressures, protecting nesting sites, and monitoring environmental changes to ensure the survival of these charismatic seabirds.

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