2017 Bonanza Bird #9: Horned Puffin

Today a seabird with bold colors joins Birdorable: the Horned Puffin!

The Horned Puffin is a seabird in the auk family. They are pelagic, breeding on rocky islands but spending the rest of the year at sea. They are found in ocean waters around Alaska, British Columbia, and Siberia.

Horned Puffins are named for a small pointed fleshy "horn" that adults have over each eye. Their striking beaks actually increase in size and color intensity during courtship and breeding, developing vertical grooves.

Like many seabirds, Horned Puffins have a mostly black and white plumage. They are black above and white below. This is a camouflage strategy, helping to protect them from predators both from the air above them and the sea below.

Tomorrow an endangered bird found only in Peru will be revealed as part of our 2017 Birdorable Bonanza. It was once thought to be extinct but was rediscovered in the late 1970s. Do you know this bird?

Comments

Be the first to comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Discover the Colorful World of North America's Tanagers

The tanagers are a family of songbirds found across the Americas. These small birds tend to be colorful; often males are more brightly plumaged than females. Tanagers in name only? There are four species of tanager found in North America. These are the Western Tanager, Summer Tanager,

2015 Bonanza Bird #3: Blue-billed Curassow

Today our Birdorable Bonanza: 2015 Advent Edition continues with a grouse-like bird from South America: the Blue-billed Curassow. The Blue-billed Curassow is a large species endemic to Colombia in South America. Males, like our cute Birdorable version here, have a mostly...

Share the Love: Celebrate Valentine's Day with Birdorable Shareable Graphics

This Valentine's Day, Birdorable is here to help you tell that special someone just how much they mean to you with our collection of bird-themed Valentine's graphics. Perfect for sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms, these charming e-cards are sure to delight bird watchers and bird...

Meet the Magnificent Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird

Our Birdorable Hummingbird Week 2024 continues today with a new species added to our flock: it's the Violet Sabrewing! The Violet Sabrewing is one of the largest and most stunning hummingbirds in the Americas. This vibrant bird is a spectacle with its iridescent plumage and dynamic behavior. Found...