Bird ð¦
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Fratercula arctica
| Size | 26â29 cm Roughly the size of a pigeon |
|---|---|
| Weight | 320â480 g About the weight of a large orange |
| Lifespan | 20â30 years |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| M vs F | Sexes look identical in breeding plumage; bills become dull in winter |
| Habitat | Offshore waters in winter; coastal clifftops and sea stacks for breeding |
| Best time | AprilâAugust on breeding colonies; Skomer, Skokholm, Farne Islands, Handa |
| Conservation | UK: Red VU |
Did you know?
A Puffin can carry up to 62 small fish in its beak at once â it uses backward-facing serrations and its tongue to hold fish while catching more
A Puffin can carry up to 62 small fish in its beak at once â it uses backward-facing serrations and its tongue to hold fish while catching more
More for experts
Puffins are in serious decline â UK numbers have dropped by over 30% since 2000, driven by changing sea temperatures reducing the availability of their primary prey, sand eels
Often confused with
Razorbill (all black and white, long pointed bill), Guillemot (slimmer, no coloured bill)
Razorbill (all black and white, long pointed bill), Guillemot (slimmer, no coloured bill)