Horned Puffin
Fratercula corniculataHorned Puffins spend their winters far out at sea, returning to rugged North Pacific cliffs each spring to breed in bustling colonies. During the breeding season, adults display a striking, massive yellow bill with a red tip and a small, black, fleshy horn pointing upward above each eye. Unlike their burrow-nesting relatives, these puffins typically rear their single chick deep within natural rock crevices and boulder scree.
- diet
- Small schooling fish, squid, and marine invertebrates
- family
- Alcidae
- threats
- Climate change altering prey distribution, oil spills, and marine plastic pollution
- life Span
- 20 to 30 years
LC
Capable of delivering a painful bite with their powerful beak; observe from a respectful distance.
Possesses a highly powerful, sharp-edged bill designed for gripping slippery fish, which can inflict deep cuts if the bird is cornered or handled.
Never attempt to touch or capture wild puffins; maintain a safe distance on nesting islands and let them pass undisturbed.Highly sensitive to human disturbance at breeding colonies, which can cause parents to abandon nests or leave eggs vulnerable to predators.
Stay on designated trails, keep noise levels low, and never approach nesting crevices or block flight paths.- Use Binoculars: Watch them from coastal overlooks or tour boats to avoid disturbing nesting sites.
- Look for the Horn: Spot the small, dark, fleshy horn extending upward from the eye during summer.
- Listen for Grunts: Listen near breeding cliffs for their low, growling vocalizations coming from deep crevices.