Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata)

Horned Puffins are very similar to the Atlantic Puffin of the Atlantic Coast, but are found along the Pacific Coast, primarily around Alaska and the west coast of Canada. They are also larger than their close relative in the Atlantic, and have different colors on their bills. Horned Puffins nest on rocky islands on the coastline of Alaska and the Aleutians, but in winter may range widely through the North Pacific. The Tufted Puffin also shares much of the same habitat as the Horned Puffin, but with a good view, the two species are generally easy to differentiate. The photo on the right shows an adult Horned Puffin with a beakful of fish, a common sight when Puffins are raising their (single) chick and foraging for food to bring back to the nest.

Habitat

Breeds on rocky islands, using crevices on rocky cliffs or burrows for nesting. In summer during the breeding season, they are primarily found near the coastline and their breeding grounds, but in winter, they may be found far out in the open Pacific Ocean.

Diet

Fish makes up a majority of the diet, with capelin and sand lance particularly preferred. While the young are fed a diet of almost entirely fish, the adults will also feed on squid, crustaceans, and marine worms.

Behavior

During the summer breeding months, they are typically found nesting in colonies, often in conjunction with other Alcids. Food is acquired by swimming underwater and capturing fish and other prey with their beaks.

Nesting

Horned Puffins typically nest in burrows that are between 1 and 3 feet deep, although they will also often use crevices in cliff faces, or in protected areas among rocky boulders. Nesting colonies are almost exlusively found on offshore, rocky islands.

Song: Horned Puffins adults at sea are generally quiet. Birds on breeding colonies often make low groans.

Migration: After breeding in a fairly narrow range in Alaska, birds disperse over a fairly large area of the North Atlantic, often being found very far offshore in the winter months.

Interactive eBird Map:
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Horned Puffin sightings
Similar Species: Tufted Puffin, Atlantic Puffin

Conservation Status: The species is still widespread and relatively common in Alaska. Local declines occur when introduced predators such as rats or foxes are introduced on their offshore breeding colonies, but populations are generally stable.

Further Information: 1) Birdweb.org - Horned Puffin

2) WhatBird - Horned Puffin

3) Audubon Guide- Horned Puffin

Photo Information: August 8th, 2010 - Fox Island, Ressurection Bay, Alaska - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Horned Puffin photos.

Further Information

Range Map

Click on the map below for a higher-resolution view

South Dakota Status: Non-resident in South Dakota