Fratercula arctica (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fratercula arctica

Species recognized by T Orrell (custodian), The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Switch to common names

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Fratercula arctica (Linnaeus, 1758)

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Fratercula arctica (Linnaeus, 1758)
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Table Of Contents

Morphology

Physical Description

Source and Additional Information
Author
Robin Street
Author
Ann Emily
Copyright
©1995-2008, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors Some rights reserved external link
Supplier
Animal Diversity Web external link
Source URL
View original data object external link
Citation
Street, R. and A. Emily. 1999. "Fratercula arctica" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed September 28, 2008 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Fratercula_arctica.html.

Sexes are alike--11 1/2 to 13 1/2 inches long with a wingspread of 21-24 inches. These puffins are short, stocky with upper parts black and undersides white. Their cheeks are white. They have large parrotlike, triangular shaped bills, which in the breeding season are bright orange with a yellow-bordered patch of blue at the rear half. After the breeding season, they lose some of their horny bill plates and molt as well. Winter plumage is similar but faces are largely dark.