Puffling in repose amongst delicate wild spring daisies

Picture of a puffling in repose

Pufflings do not leave their burrows until they are fully fledged, usually around 40 to 55 days after hatching. During this period, they undergo a significant transformation, shedding their dark downy feathers for a more waterproof plumage. This change is critical as it enables them to survive in the ocean where they spend the majority of their lives. Once they venture out of their burrows, pufflings are guided by the moonlight to reach the sea. However, they can sometimes get disoriented and land in populated areas, leading to rescue operations by local communities to return these chicks to their natural habitat. Another captivating fact about puffin chicks is their solitary nature once they leave their burrows. Unlike other birds species, pufflings do not receive further care or guidance from their parents. Instead, they rely on their instincts to navigate the ocean, locate food, and evade predators, which is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Overall, puffin chicks represent a fascinating study of avian adaptation and survival, as they navigate their early stages of life in often harsh and challenging environments.

Facts about Atlantic Puffins
Other Name(s): Common Puffin
Nick Names: Sea Parrot, Sea Clown, Sea Rooster 
Scientific Name: Fratercula arctica
Size: 70 - 90 cm
Weight: 500g
Lifespan: 20 - 29 years 
Diet: Sand eels, sprats, herring, capelin, shrimp, crustaceans, molluscs
Habitat: Open sea year round; cliff areas and islands during breeding
Distribution: North Atlantic Ocean, North Sea; During breeding, coasts and Islands of Norhtwest Europe, Arctic fringes, Eastern North America
Conservation: Least Concern