Found along the rocky coasts and offshore islands of Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic puffin is a small seabird that spends most of its life far out at sea. Despite its parrot-like appearance, the puffin is more closely related to other auks (such as murres and razorbills) than to any tropical bird; its bright, colourful bill, which gives it the nickname "sea parrot," appears only during the breeding season. Both males and females develop these vivid plumage colours, and a sturdy, waterproof coat allows the puffin to endure long stretches on the cold North Atlantic. Although it was once abundant, this hardy seabird was hunted heavily for its meat and feathers before being carefully protected.
The puffin's most remarkable feature is its specialized bill. Beneath the colourful outer surface, the edges are lined with backward-facing spines that let the bird grip many small fish at once. This adaptation allows a puffin to carry a dozen or more fish crosswise in its bill while still hunting for others. The puffin uses its wings to "fly" underwater after prey, and each summer the adults make countless dives to feed their single chick. Even young pufflings are sheltered in deep burrows within days of hatching.
