SEABIRD OF THE NORTHERN CRAGS

❃ The tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) is a striking pelagic seabird native to the cold, open waters and rocky shorelines of the North Pacific Ocean. Easily identified by its solid black plumage, brilliant white face mask, and bright orange-red parrot-like bill, this medium-sized seabird stands out against dramatic coastal cliffs. During breeding season, both males and females develop signature sweeping golden-yellow feather tufts behind their eyes that give the species its name.

❃ Built as master divers, tufted puffins are remarkably adapted for life at sea, using their short, powerful wings to literally "fly" underwater in pursuit of prey. They can dive to depths of over 100 feet to catch small schooling fish, squid, and crustaceans. Special spines on the roof of their mouth and a muscular tongue allow them to hold dozens of small fish crosswise in their bill at a single time to carry back to their chicks.

❃ Tufted puffins spend long winter months roaming the open ocean entirely on the wing and water, returning to land only in spring and summer to nest in large colonies. They excavate deep burrows into grassy clifftops or rocky crevices to lay a single egg, which both parents dutifully protect. Charismatic, agile underwater, and instantly recognizable, the tufted puffin is an enduring icon of the wild northern seas.