Horned viper

Horned Puffin

The Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata) is a species of seabird in the auk family. It is a pelagic bird that feeds primarily by diving for fish. It nests in colonies, often with other auks.

Description

The Horned Puffin is similar in appearance to the Atlantic Puffin, with a black back and white belly. Its most distinctive feature is the "horn" above its eye, which is a fleshy extension of the eyelid. This horn is present in both sexes, but is larger in males.

Distribution and habitat

The Horned Puffin is found in the North Pacific Ocean, from the coast of Alaska to the Kuril Islands in Russia. It breeds on rocky islands and cliffs, where it nests in crevices or burrows.

Behavior

Like other puffins, the Horned Puffin is a skilled swimmer and diver. It uses its wings to "fly" underwater, propelling itself with powerful strokes to catch fish and invertebrates. On land, it is somewhat clumsy, but is able to climb steep cliffs with the help of its sharp claws.

Conservation status

The Horned Puffin is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, like many seabirds, it is threatened by factors such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution.

See also

• Atlantic Puffin
• Tufted Puffin

External links

• BirdLife Species Factsheet.