The Atlantic Puffin, an iconic seabird of the North Atlantic, captivates observers with its distinctive and colorful appearance. These birds, sometimes referred to as “sea parrots” or “clowns of the sea” due to their vibrant beaks and waddling gait, spend most of their lives at sea, returning to land primarily for breeding. This article details the specific physical dimensions of the Atlantic Puffin, offering insight into their typical height, weight, and wingspan.
Key Measurements of Atlantic Puffins
Adult Atlantic Puffins are robustly built seabirds. Their length, measured from the tip of their stout bill to their blunt tail, ranges from 28 to 30 centimeters (11 to 12 inches). On land, they stand about 20 centimeters (8 inches) tall. These birds possess a compact body with a thick-set neck, which aids their agility in water.
The weight of an Atlantic Puffin is between 309 to 550 grams (10.9 to 19.4 ounces). While males are slightly larger than females, their external appearance in terms of coloration is identical. Their wingspan measures between 47 to 63 centimeters (19 to 25 inches). This relatively short wingspan is well-suited for their underwater propulsion, as they use their wings to “fly” through the water while diving for food.
Factors Influencing Puffin Dimensions
Puffin size varies due to biological and environmental factors. Age plays a role, with juveniles being smaller and duller in plumage compared to adults, whose bills become broader and faces paler as they mature. The distinctive bright orange bill plates and facial characteristics of adult puffins develop in spring and are shed after breeding.
Geographic location can also influence puffin size. Northern populations of Atlantic Puffins are larger than those found in southern regions, leading to different subspecies. Health and nutrition are also factors; access to abundant food resources, such as small fish and crabs, directly impacts a bird’s ability to reach full adult size.
Comparing Atlantic Puffin Size
The Atlantic Puffin is one of three puffin species, with its relatives, the Tufted Puffin and Horned Puffin, inhabiting the Pacific Ocean. Among these species, the Atlantic Puffin is the smallest. The Tufted Puffin is larger, weighing between 519 to 1000 grams (18.3 to 35.3 ounces) and measuring 36 to 40 centimeters (14.2 to 15.8 inches) in length. The Horned Puffin falls in between, weighing 482 to 649 grams (17.0 to 22.9 ounces).
Compared to other common seabirds, the Atlantic Puffin is a medium-sized bird. While it is only slightly larger than a Mourning Dove, its density makes it surprisingly heavy for its size, weighing about the same as a full beverage can. This compact, heavy build, combined with its relatively small wings, is an adaptation for its diving lifestyle, allowing it to efficiently pursue prey underwater.