Introduction: What are Puffins?
Puffins are small seabirds that belong to the family Alcidae. They are highly recognizable for their colorful beaks and distinct markings. These birds are found in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the coastal regions of the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. Puffins have become popular in recent years due to their cute appearance and unique behaviors, making them a favorite among birdwatchers and tourists.
Puffin Characteristics: Physical Features and Behavior
Puffins are distinctive for their black and white feathers, with their colorful beaks being the most recognizable feature. Their beaks change color during the breeding season, with males having brighter colors than females. Puffins are excellent swimmers and divers, with their wings functioning as flippers underwater. They can dive up to 60 meters deep and stay underwater for up to a minute. Puffins are also known for their distinctive walking style, which involves waddling and flapping their wings. They are social birds and form large colonies during the breeding season, with some colonies having up to a million birds.