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 | $10.81 | 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 | $25.44 | 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 | $14.68 | 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 | $19.99 | 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.
- Just a Girl Who Loves Puffin Birds. Cute Atlantic Puffin apparel for girls and women that are puffin lovers. Shows a cute Baby Puffin Cartoon Design and a funny puffin saying.
- Seabird clothing 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
- The arctic puffin costume is for Atlantic Seabird lovers who love to be in Iceland to see the little arctic puffins. The Puffin Birds are funny animals and everybody loves them.
- The Stud Puffin Apparel or Design is a funny gift for men, women or kids for birthday or Christmas.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- The arctic puffin costume is for Atlantic Seabird lovers who love to be in Iceland to see the little arctic puffins. The Puffin Birds are funny animals and everybody loves them.
- The Stud Puffin Apparel or Design is a funny gift for men, women or kids for birthday or Christmas.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- 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.
- 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
- The cute sleeping puffin bird "My Official Sleep Shirt" design is perfect for the sleepyhead who likes to dream and nap. Ideal for Puffin lovers. Also ideal as pajamas or pyjamas for kids. Funny Puffin Clothing for women and men.
- Looking for a outfit for a sleepyhead? Then this cute sleeping Puffins "Official Sleepshirt" is perfect for you. For all who love to take a nap and like to snooze. Great for all who loves Puffins and animals.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- Puffin t-shirt makes a great gift for men, women, boys or girls
- Perfect for bird lovers, this t-shirt features a cute Puffin
- 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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