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Key information
Puffins are unmistakable birds with their black back and white underparts, distinctive black head with large pale cheeks and their tall, flattened, brightly-coloured bill. Its comical appearance is heightened by its red and black eye-markings and bright orange legs.
Used as a symbol for books and other items, this clown among seabirds is one of the world's favourite birds. With half of the UK population at only a few sites it is an Red List species.
What they eat:
Fish, especially sandeels.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 26-29cm
- Wingspan:
- 47-63cm
- Weight:
- 320-480g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 580,000 pairs
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Puffin (summer plumage)

Puffin (first-winter plumage)
