Seabirds

Tufted Puffin

Fratercula cirrhata

An unmistakable seabird with a large orange-red bill, white face, and drooping golden head tufts in breeding plumage. One of Kodiak's most iconic birds, nesting in large colonies on offshore islands.

Where to look

Barren Islands, Near Islands, and rocky headlands at Cape Chiniak; visible on pelagic boat trips out of Kodiak.

Habitat

Open ocean outside breeding season; nests in burrows on vegetated sea cliffs and islands.

Diet

Fish, squid, and marine invertebrates.

Natural history note

Tufted Puffins can carry dozens of fish at once in their notched bills, thanks to backward-pointing spines in the mouth.