Key Information
Puffins
| Species | 3 |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Length | 8 to 14 inches |
| Weight | 180 oz to 1.6 lb |
| Wingspan | 14 to 25 inches |
| Lifespan | Around 20 years |
| Conservation Status | Some Vulnerable |
| Classification | Aves > Charadriiformes > Alcidae > Fratercula |
| Habitat | Coastlines, especially Rocky and Grassy Cliffs |
Learning Point
- Puffins are funny-looking seabirds with bright, colorful beaks! They live near cold oceans and build their nests in burrows on rocky islands. Puffins are excellent swimmers and divers, catching lots of small fish to eat. During the spring and summer, their beaks become extra colorful, which helps them attract a mate. They’re sometimes called “sea parrots” because of their bright beaks and waddling walk.
Project
- Draw a picture of a pair of puffins looking after their nest.
- Overview
- Fish in Beak
Location
| Places | North Atlantic and North Pacific around the coastline |
Fun Facts
- Puffins have brightly colored beaks, especially during the breeding season.
- They often live in large colonies and are quite social with each other.
- Puffins use their wings to “fly” underwater while hunting for fish.
- They build their nests in burrows in the ground, often on grassy cliffs.
Past Lessons
| 165 | March 5, 2025 | (North America) |