Unmistakable; the only puffin found in the Atlantic Ocean. Crisply marked with black upperparts, white underparts, a black breast band, white face, orange legs, and large blue and orange bill. A bit smaller than Tufted and Horned Puffins, which are unknown from Eastern North America. Without range as context, Atlantic looks similar to Horned, but has a blue patch on its bill in alternate plumage and a smaller, more streamlined bill in basic plumage.

Length: 32 (cm) Wingspan: 53 (cm)

Habitat:

Open ocean and coastal waters; breeds on rocky islands.

Behavior:

They spend their first years at sea without touching land; the massive bill of adults takes up to five years to develop. Nests in burrows and crevices.

Feeding:

Dives and swims to catch fish; may hold several fish in bill at once.