Atlantic puffin

Scientific name: Fratercula arctica

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Distinctive black and white plumage with a white face, black crown and back, and a large colorful triangular bill that is orange-red during breeding season. Adults are roughly pigeon-sized with a stocky, compact build.

Size and weight

Adults weigh 380–500 g (0.38–0.5 kg) and measure 28–30 cm in body length; sexes are similar in size.

Habitat

Atlantic puffins inhabit rocky coastal cliffs and offshore islands in the North Atlantic, nesting in burrows or crevices on steep sea-facing slopes. They spend much of the year at sea on open ocean.

Distribution

Range spans the North Atlantic from the eastern coast of North America to Scandinavia, Iceland, and the UK; they prefer offshore islands and coastal cliffs with suitable burrow habitat.

Diet

Puffins feed primarily on small fish, especially sand eels, sprats, and capelin, diving to depths of 30–60 m; diet shifts seasonally based on local fish availability.

Behaviour

Highly gregarious, especially during breeding season (spring/summer) when they return to colonies on land; they are strong, fast fliers and excellent swimmers. Outside breeding season, they are pelagic and solitary or in small groups.

Hunting tips

Look for whitewash (droppings) and burrow entrances on cliff faces and grassy slopes—concentration of these sign marks active nesting sites. Approach coastal colonies during daylight in calm weather when birds are on or near land; use terrain cover to move close without flushing birds into flight. Observe flight patterns and roosting areas to predict movement between sea and nesting grounds.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

Iceland

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.