Alcids

Tufted Puffin

Fratercula cirrhata

The largest of the three North American puffins, with a striking all-black body, white face, massive orange-red bill, and sweeping golden head plumes in breeding season. Highly pelagic outside of the nesting period, ranging widely across the North Pacific.

Where to look

Breeding colonies on St. George Island (Pribilofs), Bogoslof Island, and along grassy-topped sea cliffs throughout the Aleutians. Look for birds commuting between nest and feeding areas in early morning.

Habitat

Open ocean for foraging; earthen burrows in grassy sea-cliff turf or rocky crevices for nesting.

Diet

Fish, squid, and zooplankton.

Natural history note

Tufted Puffins can dive to depths exceeding 200 feet and flap their wings underwater using the same motion as in flight.