About the Atlantic Puffin
The Atlantic puffin, also known as the common puffin, is a species of seabird in the auk family. It is the only puffin native to the Atlantic Ocean; two related species, the tufted puffin and the horned puffin, are found in the northeastern Pacific. The Atlantic puffin breeds in Russia, Iceland, Ireland, Britain, Norway, Greenland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and the Faroe Islands, and as far south as Maine in the west and France in the east. It is most commonly found in the Westman Islands, Iceland. Although it has a large population and a wide range, the species has declined rapidly, at least in parts of its range, resulting in it being rated as vulnerable by the IUCN. On land, it has the typical upright stance of an auk. At sea, it swims on the surface and feeds on zooplankton, small fish, and crabs, which it catches by diving underwater, using its wings for propulsion.
Source: Wikipedia
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Auks, Murres, and Puffins (Alcidae) |
| Species | Fratercula arctica |
| Species Codes | atlpuf, ATPU |
| Conservation | VU Vulnerable |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Atlantic Puffin belong to?
The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) belongs to the Auks, Murres, and Puffins family (Alcidae), in the order Charadriiformes.
What is the conservation status of the Atlantic Puffin?
The Atlantic Puffin is classified as "Vulnerable" (VU) by IUCN Red List.
How can I identify the Atlantic Puffin?
The Atlantic puffin, also known as the common puffin, is a species of seabird in the auk family. It is the only puffin native to the Atlantic Ocean; two related species, the tufted puffin and the horned puffin, are found in the northeastern Pacific. The Atlantic puffin breeds in Russia, Iceland, Ire...
Where can I report a Atlantic Puffin sighting?
You can log sightings of Atlantic Puffin on eBird (ebird.org) using species code atlpuf, or on iNaturalist.