Did you know there are four different species of puffins? These dapper birds all live in the Northern Hemisphere and spend lots of time at sea. The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is the only puffin to live in the Atlantic Ocean, while the remaining three live in the Pacific Ocean. (Smithsonian Institution)

Apr 13, 2016 · Though Atlantic puffins are also known as the “common puffin,” they are only found in the North Atlantic Ocean. The other two puffin species call the Pacific Ocean home. The largest puffin, the tufted puffin, can weigh at more than 1.5 pounds, which is …

Two species, the tufted puffin and horned puffin, are found in the North Pacific Ocean, while the Atlantic puffin is found in the North Atlantic Ocean. All puffin species have predominantly black or black and white plumage, a stocky build, and large beaks that get brightly colored during the breeding season.

The tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata), also known as crested puffin, is a relatively abundant medium-sized pelagic seabird in the auk family (Alcidae) found throughout the North Pacific Ocean. It is one of three species of puffin that make up the genus Fratercula and is easily recognizable by its thick red bill and yellow tufts.

Red-rimmed eyes and an immense red bill offset a bright white face. In the nonbreeding season, they have a gray face, only a hint of plumes, and an orange-and-gray bill. Most of the year they live at sea, from subtropical Pacific waters up to the Arctic Ocean.

This dark-bodied puffin is common along the northern Pacific Coast, nesting on islands offshore, where it may be seen sitting on rocks in an upright posture. Although it flies strongly, it must work hard to take off from the water, thrashing along the surface before becoming airborne.

Feb 13, 2024 · Puffins can be found along the northeastern coast of the United States and parts of the Pacific Northwest during their breeding season from April to August. The best places to see them include Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.

Nov 15, 2023 · In partnership with Friends of Haystack Rock, Audubon is reaching out to interested groups in the Pacific Northwest to launch a more coordinated conservation strategy for the Tufted Puffins along the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and California.

May 31, 2023 · Tufted puffins were once common to see in the Salish Sea and off the coast of the Pacific Northwest, with tens of thousands of birds across at least 40 nesting colonies found off Washington alone at one point.

Tufted Puffins dress up for breeding season with impressively long, pale yellow head plumes. Red-rimmed eyes and an immense red bill offset a bright white face. In the nonbreeding season, they have a gray face, only a hint of plumes, and an orange-and-gray bill.