Atlantic Puffin – Birds of Maine
All About Puffins – Visit Maine and see a puffin in person. Puffins, the scientific name Fratercula arctica meaning “Little Brother of the North,” have also been given many nicknames over time due to their unique black plumage and brightly colored beaks and feet.
“Clown of the Ocean,” “Sea Parrot,” and “Little Friar” are a few names that have stuck. These little birds have proven themselves to be resilient survivors in the true spirit of Maine.
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Maine Puffin
The puffin averages about 10 inches tall and weighs in at about 16 ounces. There are four species of Puffins. The Atlantic Puffin, or Common Puffin, can be found at various points in the North Atlantic Ocean and along the Canadian and Maine coastlines. There are also the Horned Puffin, Tufted Puffin, and Rhinoceros Auklet which can be found off the California coast and the coast of Asia. Puffins can live over 20 years and usually don’t breed until they are around 5 years old. Puffins lay only 1 egg per year among rocks and burrows that they dig, and the male and female share parenting duties. Puffins are a close-knit community that congregates together for protection from predators.
Puffins communicate by using body movements and can make low growling sounds similar to a muffled chainsaw when protecting their young.
Puffins are sea birds who live most of their lives in the open sea. They return to land to breed and raise their young and have very particular nesting grounds. Over-hunting in the early colonization years and increased human activity near these nesting grounds had significantly diminished the Puffins’ numbers to threatened status in Maine.
In 1973 Dr. Stephen Kress started a program with the National Audubon Society called Project Puffin to help the puffins re-establish a colony on Eastern Egg Rock off the mid-coast of Maine. Dr. Kress and his colleagues moved young puffins from a large nesting colony in Newfoundland to Eastern Egg Rock.
The hope was that the puffins would grow to think of this as their home, and would return to raise their own young there eventually. Dr. Kress’s team placed decoy birds on the island in 1977 to lure the curious birds back to the island. The puffins started returning that summer.
Today, there are 104 nesting pairs of puffins on the island from the 4 returning pairs from 1981. This very successful technique of the Puffin Project has since been used for bird re-population with more than 40 seabird species in 12 countries.
Maine visitors can learn about the puffins at the Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland, Maine. Why not visit Maine and go on a Puffin Watch Tour to see a migrating puffin colony for yourself?
PUFFIN GIFTS
PUFFIN FACTS
- There are four kinds of puffins.
- The Atlantic or common puffin is the only one found in Maine. To see a horned puffin or a tufted puffin, you would have to visit the Pacific coast. The rhinoceros auklet is also considered a type of puffin, although it does not look much like the others.
- The Atlantic puffin’s scientific name is Fratercula arctica, which means “little brother of the north” in Latin. The name can also be interpreted as “little friar,” a reference to its black and white coloring.
- Puffins may look like penguins, but they’re not related. Puffins live only in the northern hemisphere while penguins live only in the southern hemisphere (unless they are in zoos).
- Puffins eat small fish such as herring, hake, smelt, and capelin, but they have also been known to eat crustaceans in the winter.
- Puffins can drink saltwater.
- Each year, a puffin will return to nest on the same island, and often even in the same burrow in the rocks.
- Puffins can live to be 20 to 30 years old.
- Puffins can both fly and swim very well and when they swim they use their wings to propel themselves through the water, steering with their feet.
- Puffins mate for life.
- Female puffins lay only one egg each year. A baby puffin is called a chick or a puffling.
- After the summer breeding season, puffins become less colorful.
- The great black-backed gull and the herring gull are the main natural predators of the puffin. Increasing numbers of gulls were preventing the puffins from returning to their nesting grounds, so scientists have helped protect the puffins by reducing nearby gull populations.
- Adult puffins make a noise that sounds like groaning. Young puffins tend to make a peeping sound when they are hungry.
For $100, you can adopt your very own puffin for a nesting season! You’ll get a certificate of adoption and biography and a color photo of your puffin. Adoption fees help support the biologists who study and protect these fascinating birds. Puffin adoptions make great gifts for that friend or relative who has everything!
SHOP ANYTIME AT FREE WORLD MALL
PUFFIN GIFTS
| Photo | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Wild Republic Puffin Plush, Stuffed Animal, Plush Toy, Sea Animals, Gifts for Kids, Sea Critters 8 inches | $5.90 | On Sale |
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G2TUP Puffin Bird Lover Gift Who Loves Puffins Birds Makeup Bag Puffin Cosmetic Bag Seabird Animal Lover Gift Birdwatching Birdwatcher Travel Bag with Zipper (Puffins White Bag) | $11.89 | On Sale |
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Puffins: Life on the Atlantic Edge | $25.46 | On Sale |
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Lazy One Animal Pajama Pants for Men, Men's Separate Bottoms, Lounge Pants, Bird (Stud Puffin PJ Pant, Large) | On Sale | |
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Cape Shore Painted Ceramic Puffin Hanging Ornament | On Sale | |
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Funny Puffin Bird Gifts All Or Puffin Unisex-Adults and Kids Black Cartoon Puffin T-Shirt Small | $19.99 | On Sale |
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Vintage Puffin Bird Retro Sunset Puffin T-Shirt | $19.99 | On Sale |
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Puffin Bird Adjustable Baseball Cap Trucker Hats for Men and Women, Ash, One Size | On Sale | |
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PUFFIN ROCK Oona & Baba Plush 2 Character Set | Oona Approximately 32cm | Baba Approximately 20 cm | $29.99 | On Sale |
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Aurora® Realistic Miyoni® Puffin Stuffed Animal - Lifelike Detail - Cherished Companionship - Black 10.5 Inches | $17.24 | On Sale |
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AliceHitMood - Puffin Bird Mug, Bird Mug, I'm Puffin Awesome Mug, Birdwatching Mug, Birdwatcher Gift, Bird Watching Mug, Funny Bird Watcher Mug, 11oz Ceramic Coffee Mug/Cup | On Sale | |
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Puffin In The Pocket Seabird Iceland Pocket Puffin T-Shirt | $16.99 | On Sale |
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Puffin Lover Always Be Yourself Unless You Can Be A Puffin T-Shirt | $16.99 | On Sale |
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Decorative Hand Printed Stained Glass Window Sun Catcher/Roundel in a Puffins Design. | $44.00 | On Sale |
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Lazy One Funny Animal Boxer Briefs for Men, Underwear for Men, Stud Muffin, Bird(Stud Puffin, X-Large) | On Sale | |
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3dRose LLC cst_81945_1 Soft Coasters, "Atlantic Puffin, Latrabjerg Peninsula, Iceland-Ralph H Bendjebar", Set of 4 | $11.99 | On Sale |
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Puffin Bird Men Women Boys Or Girls T-Shirt | $19.99 | On Sale |
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Funny Stud Muffin Vintage Retro Style Stud Puffin T-Shirt | $16.99 | On Sale |
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Two Cute puffins from Iceland Zip Hoodie | $33.99 | On Sale |
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Puffin Seabird Retro Vintage T-Shirt | $14.95 | On Sale |
- Compatible Devices - This console travel case is only compatible with Switch. Please confirm the dimensions of the case before purchasing. 10.4 x 4.7 x 1.4 inches.
- Material - This game console bag compatible with switch is made of EVA material, the outer shell is sturdy and shockproof, and the inner lining is soft and in contact with the game console. Please feel free to use it.
- With Lanyard - This is a handbag compatible with Switch, and comes with a lanyard for free. You can hang it on your wrist or carry it in your hand when you go out. Multiple ways of use are more convenient.
- Graphic Design - This travel game case is available in black and white with cute and creative graphics on the front. Choose from cute game storage carrying bags, fashion, animal prints and more.
- Applicable Scenarios - This carrying and storage bag is compatible with switch. It is not only suitable for storing game consoles at home. It is also suitable for carrying game consoles out to play with friends. It is also suitable as a Christmas gift or birthday gift for game consoles.
- Compatible Devices - This console travel case is only compatible with Switch. Please confirm the dimensions of the case before purchasing. 10.4 x 4.7 x 1.4 inches.
- Material - This game console bag compatible with switch is made of EVA material, the outer shell is sturdy and shockproof, and the inner lining is soft and in contact with the game console. Please feel free to use it.
- With Lanyard - This is a handbag compatible with Switch, and comes with a lanyard for free. You can hang it on your wrist or carry it in your hand when you go out. Multiple ways of use are more convenient.
- Graphic Design - This travel game case is available in black and white with cute and creative graphics on the front. Choose from cute game storage carrying bags, fashion, animal prints and more.
- Applicable Scenarios - This carrying and storage bag is compatible with switch. It is not only suitable for storing game consoles at home. It is also suitable for carrying game consoles out to play with friends. It is also suitable as a Christmas gift or birthday gift for game consoles.
- Puffin Lover Gift:The cute puffin makeup bag printed with interesting words.This funny travel pouch will make a good gift and sure to giving them a surprise. For animal lovers, puffin lover, bird lover, this cosmetic bag is a gift that can bring surprise to them.
- Puffin Gifts for Women: The makeup bag is a perfect gift for best friends, daughters, mothers, aunts ,sisters, mom ,aunt, niece who is a puffin lover. An unexpected present is a moment of pure joy for the recipient and the gift,and it needn't be anything expensive but impressing.
- Funny Puffin Bird Gifts Makeup Bag: The cosmetic bag for women or girls in any age. Such as Birthday Gifts, Graduation Gifts, Christmas Gifts, Thanksgiving Gifts, Retirement Gifts, New Year Gifts, Valentines Day Gifts, Anniversary Gifts, Wedding Gifts, Baby Shower Gifts, Bridal Shower Gifts, Bachelor Party Gifts,Halloween Gifts, etc.
- Friendship Gift for Best Friends: Our make up bag is mainly made of quality cotton canvas material, reliable and sturdy. It can serve you for a relatively long time, not easy to fade or deform, each bag is also designed with a zipper to ensure inside things safety.
- Birthday Gift for Daughter: This cosmetic bag size is 25x17cm(10 inch x 6.7 inch), portable and exquisite design, which makes it fit for any occasions. It's a perfect travel bags makeup pouch, travel toiletry pouch, cosmetic bag, beach bag. THIS ITEM IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER.
- Material of this women's home shoes: knitted cloth + terry cloth + TPR.
- The upper of women's cotton slippers is made of breathable knitted material, which is comfortable, breathable and warm.
- Comfortable home cotton slippers the soles are made of TPR material, non-slip design, breathable, will not break.
- Wearing these cotton slippers can keep quiet when walking in the room, and will not disturb the rest of the family.
- It is suitable for cooking in the kitchen, playing with children, drinking afternoon tea in the yard leisurely, taking out the garbage, watering the lawn, or going out to sign for packages. It can let your tired feet get the rest they deserve, and forget the tiredness of the day.They are also suitable as a love gift for family and friends
- COMFY SOCKS: Made from 75% cotton, 15% nylon, and 10% spandex blend, these cute novelty socks will keep your feet cool and comfortable all day and night.
- FUNKY GRAPHIC SOCKS: These socks come in lots of cute and fun designs. These socks will showcase your love of animals and the outdoors. Wear these silly, colorful socks to show off your crazy side!
- DURABLE DESIGN: Featuring 2-ply yarn for comfort and durability, these printed crew socks are fuzzy and long lasting. You can keep your feet warm and cozy for years to come.
- PRESHRUNK PACKS: Lazy One’s funny socks are preshrunk so you can throw them in the washing machine without damaging or ruining them. Goofy lounging apparel should be easy to take care of!
- GIFT SOCKS: Whether you're using it as a stocking stuffer, a gift for your mom or dad, or a present for your groomsmen, these fun socks will show your appreciation and love.
- All Or Puffin. Funny puffin pun for men and women that are puffin fans. Any puffin lover will love to wear one of these cool puffin apparel.
- This puffin design shows a cute puffin drawing that any puffin addict will love. Awesome puffin gift for kids and adults that love puffin birds.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- Puffins Are Awesome. I'm Awesome. Therefore I'm A Puffin. This puffin graphic design shows a funny saying about puffin sea birds. Great puffin lover apparel for men, women, and children that love funny puffin bird sayings.
- This puffin bird graphic design shows a funny puffin quote for boys, girls, men, and women that love puffin birds. Puffins are also called sea parrots or arctic diving bird and they are also known as clowns of the sea.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- Puffin In a Pocket Design that shows an Iceland Puffin bird. Cartoon Puffin design for boys and girls that are puffin lovers. Baby Puffin In The Pocket.
- Seabird apparel for animal lovers that love puffins. Shows a cute Iceland Puffin bird. Funny Puffin Seabird Christmas Present.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- PERFECT FOR YOUR STUD PUFFIN! Our distressed retro vintage style funny novelty design makes the PERFECT birthday Christmas gift for the Puffin lover and bird watcher! I freaking heart love Puffins Keep Calm and Love Puffins!
- I JUST REALLY LOVE PUFFINS, OKAY?! Our fun retro 80's vintage style sunset design makes a PERFECT fun gift - take yours home today!
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- Cute amusing artistic puffin birds nesting on rocks novelty abstract art design is trendy for puffin lovers and animal lovers.
- Humorous cool colorful puffin birds on cliffs graphic art design is special for bird lovers and art lovers.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
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