Horned Puffin: where and when to see them

The horned puffin is a North Pacific seabird that breeds on rocky islands and coastal cliffs, including parts of Alaska. Its name comes from the small dark projection above each eye during the breeding season. A bright bill and white face contrast with black upperparts, while the belly remains white. Most of its year is spent at sea, so coastal access to breeding habitat strongly shapes opportunities for distant observation.

Size

32-38 cm long

Weight

450-650 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Breeding birds return to colonies and occupy rock crevices, spaces among boulders or occasionally burrows. Pairs share incubation and feed a single chick with small fish carried crosswise in the bill. Flight is rapid and direct, supported by quick wingbeats. Outside breeding, birds disperse offshore and become much less conspicuous from land, while seasonal changes reduce the colourful bill and facial features familiar from summer photographs. Breeding birds return to colonies and occupy rock crevices, spaces among boulders or occasionally burrows. Pairs share incubation and feed a single chick with small fish carried crosswise in the bill. Flight is rapid and direct, supported by quick wingbeats. Outside breeding, birds disperse offshore and become much less conspicuous from land, while seasonal changes reduce the colourful bill and facial features familiar from summer photographs. They are generally solitary or found in small groups at sea, except during the concentrated breeding season. Their vocalizations at colonies include growls and grunts, used for communication between mates and territorial defense.

• Each breeding attempt normally involves one egg.
• The eye horn is most conspicuous during breeding.
• Parents can carry several small fish crosswise at once.
• The colourful outer bill structures are reduced after breeding.

Late May through August offers the strongest general opportunity around Alaskan breeding colonies. Exact arrival, hatching and departure dates vary with latitude and conditions. Once birds leave colonies, shore observation becomes much less dependable because they spread across offshore waters. Late May through August offers the strongest general opportunity around Alaskan breeding colonies. Exact arrival, hatching and departure dates vary with latitude and conditions. Once birds leave colonies, shore observation becomes much less dependable because they spread across offshore waters. During the breeding season, birds are most concentrated and active around their nesting sites, making early mornings and late afternoons good times to observe activity. By early September, most adults and juveniles have departed colonies, returning to their pelagic wintering grounds.

Breeding habitat includes rocky islands, sea cliffs and boulder slopes close to productive North Pacific waters. Secure crevices protect eggs and chicks from weather and predators. In winter, birds range offshore, often beyond practical observation distance from ordinary coastal viewpoints. Breeding habitat includes rocky islands, sea cliffs and boulder slopes close to productive North Pacific waters. Secure crevices protect eggs and chicks from weather and predators. In winter, birds range offshore, often beyond practical observation distance from ordinary coastal viewpoints. They prefer areas with deep, clear water near nesting sites, allowing for efficient foraging. These puffins typically nest in colonies, sometimes alongside other seabird species.

Small schooling fish, including sand lance, capelin and juvenile herring, are important foods. Adults also take squid and crustaceans. Chicks receive fish delivered by the parents, sometimes several in one bill-load, with local prey availability influencing breeding success. Small schooling fish, including sand lance, capelin and juvenile herring, are important foods. Adults also take squid and crustaceans. Chicks receive fish delivered by the parents, sometimes several in one bill-load, with local prey availability influencing breeding success. Foraging dives can reach depths of over 100 feet, showcasing their adaptation to marine hunting. They catch multiple small fish by pinning them against their spiny palate and tongue.

Common name

Horned Puffin

Scientific name

Fratercula corniculata

Animal group

Birds

Size

32-38 cm long

Weight

450-650 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

The white belly and small black eye horn distinguish it from the dark-bodied tufted puffin, which develops long golden head plumes in breeding plumage. The white belly and small black eye horn distinguish it from the dark-bodied tufted puffin, which develops long golden head plumes in breeding plumage. The Horned Puffin's bill is also brightly colored orange and yellow during breeding season, contrasting with its dark back and white underparts. Immature birds lack the prominent bill plates and eye horn, appearing duller with a smaller, darker bill.