Dr. Julia Parrish, a biologist, tracked Horned Puffins in the Gulf of Alaska and found that these birds dive as deep as 25 meters to catch prey, with some dives lasting up to 60 seconds. They can hold their breath for so long because their feathers trap a layer of air next to their skin, keeping them warm in icy waters.
Horned Puffins can eat up to 400 fish per day, with a single bird consuming around 100 grams of food daily. Their beaks are specially adapted to hold up to 20 fish at a time, which they collect in their brightly colored mouths and then feed to their chicks.
In the 1970s, there were only around 1,000 breeding pairs of Horned Puffins in the Seattle area. Thanks to conservation efforts, including the removal of invasive species and protection of nesting sites, the population had grown to over 10,000 pairs by 2020.
Horned Puffins are monogamous, with many pairs staying together for up to 20 years. They nest in burrows, often taking over existing tunnels dug by other animals, and line them with grasses and feathers to create a cozy space for their eggs and chicks.
By analyzing the growth rings of trees on Horned Puffin nesting islands, scientists have determined that these birds have been breeding in the same areas for at least 1,000 years. This makes them one of the most consistent and enduring species in the North Pacific ecosystem.
At a glance
RangeNorth Pacific
HabitatMarine rocky islands
DietSmall fish crustaceans
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