The Horned Puffin(Fratercula corniculata) is a seabird classified in order Charadriiformes, and family Alcidae.
Physical Characteristics
The Horned Puffin gets it’s name from a horn like patch of black skin that is located above each eye. Breeding adult Horned Puffins are black on their backs; there is a large white patch on each side of their faces. Their underparts are white. Their bills are yellow with a red-orange tip and a bright yellow-orange rosette near the base of the bill. Their feet are orange. During the non breeding season adults’ faces become a sooty gray color, and their bills lose The yellow portion and begin to show a smaller, grayish base. Horned Puffins are 29 centimeters(11.4 inches) on average, weigh 556 grams(1.2 pounds) on average,and have an average wingspan of 57 centimeters(1’10.4”).
| Genus | Fratercula |
| Species | F. corniculata |
| Binomial Name | Fratercula corniculata |
| Length | 20-38 cm(7.9”-1’3”) |
| Weight | 500-612 gm(1.1-1.35 lbs.) |
| Wingspan | 56-58 cm(1’10”-1’10.8”) |
| DIet | Carnivore |
| IUCN Status | Least concern |
Range And Habitat
Horned Puffins can be seen year round in Canada, Russian Federation, and the United States. During the non-breeding times of the year they may be seen in Japan. Horned Puffins inhabit marine areas. .
Breeding
Horned Puffins breed in colonies. They place their nests on cliffs; or in crevices between boulders. They have also been known to nest in earthen burrows. Horned Puffins use grass, algae, twigs, and feathers to line their nests. The clutch size is 1 egg.
Diet
Horned Puffins eat fish, squid, octopus, and krill.
Fun Facts
- Horned Puffins can live for up to 20 years
