Who do you think has the brightest beak in Bristol Bay? Welcome to Field Notes. I’m Andy Ramey, a Biological Technician with the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.

Puffins are common seabirds of the Bristol Bay area. They have a short stocky body and broad wings. Typically, a mature puffin will reach a height of about fifteen inches and weigh less than two pounds. Black and white patches of feathers cover the head and body of puffins, but they are perhaps best well known for their thick, brightly colored bills and orange legs.

There are two distinct species of puffins in the Bristol Bay area: tufted puffins and horned puffins. These birds can be spotted throughout the area nesting along sea cliffs and also out at sea. From a distance, these two species look very similar. However, the tufted puffin can be distinguished from the horned puffin by its larger size and the presence of feathery tufts on either side of its head.

Puffins are very skillful birds in that they are adept at both flying and diving. These birds fly to migrate out to sea, to reach sea cliffs, and to avoid predators. Diving is the primary way in which these birds feed.

Puffins dive underwater to catch prey. Puffins are remarkable divers in that they use their wings to actually propel themselves through the water. They accomplish this by beating there wings almost as if they where flying underwater. Food items eaten by puffins include fish, squid, mollusks, and seaweed.

During the late spring and summer, puffins breed on steep grassy slopes and sea cliffs. Mates are chosen based on the brilliance of their brightly colored beaks. Once breeding pairs are formed, these bonds may last for many years.

Once a puffin chick is born, it requires parental care for some time. Once the chick nears adult size, it “fledges” or leaves the nest to start a life on its own.

Sometime while you are out exploring this summer, see if you can spot this clown-like creature cruising the cliffs and take a moment to appreciate a puffin’s talents. For Field Notes, I’m Andy Ramey.