Atlantic Puffin

Atlantic Puffin: The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is a seabird species in the auk family. It is a pelagic bird that feeds primarily by diving for fish, but also eats other sea creatures, such as squid and crustaceans. Its most obvious characteristic during the breeding season is its brightly coloured bill. Also known as the Common Puffin, it is the only puffin species which is found in the Atlantic Ocean. The curious appearance of the bird, with its large colourful bill and its striking piebald plumage, has given rise to nicknames such as '"clown of the ocean" and "sea rooster".

The Atlantic Puffin is the provincial bird for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Atlantic Puffin is 26-29 centimetres (10-11 in) in length (bill 3-4 cm), with a 47-63 centimetres (19-25 in) wingspan. The male is generally slightly larger than the female, but they are coloured alike. This bird is mainly black above and white below, with grey to white cheeks and red-orange legs. The bill is large and triangular and during the breeding season is bright orange with a patch of blue bordered by yellow at the rear. The characteristic bright orange bill plates grow before the breeding season and are shed after breeding.

 Atlantic Puffin

 Atlantic Puffin

 Atlantic Puffin

Atlantic Puffin