Horned Puffin

Taxobox
name = Horned Puffin
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1

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image_width = 200px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Charadriiformes
familia = Alcidae
genus = "Fratercula"
species = "F. corniculata"
binomial = "Fratercula corniculata"
binomial_authority = (Naumann, JF, 1821)

The Horned Puffin ("Fratercula corniculata") is an auk, similar in appearance to the Atlantic Puffin; this bird's bill is yellow at the base and red at the tip. It is a pelagic seabird that feeds primarily by diving for fish. It nests in colonies, often with other auks.

The yellow bill plate grows before the breeding season and is shed later. They have a small fleshy black "horn" above their eyes. They have a white face with a dark line extending from the back of the eye and red feet.

This species breeds on rocky islands off the coasts of Siberia, Alaska and British Columbia, in burrows, in rocky cavities or among rocks. It winters far out to sea. Feeding areas are usually located fairly far offshore from the nest. There is usually one chick and both parents feed the young.

Horned Puffins will return from hunting with several small fish in their beaks. They also eat squid and crustaceans.

The population of these birds has declined due to the introduction of rats onto some islands used for nesting.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
* "National Geographic" "Field Guide to the Birds of North" "America" ISBN 0-7922-6877-6
*" Seabirds, an Identification Guide" by Peter Harrison, (1983) ISBN 0-7470-1410-8
*"Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol 3", Josep del Hoyo editor, ISBN 84-87334-20-2
*"National Audubon Society" "The Sibley Guide to Birds", by David Allen Sibley, ISBN 0-679-45122-6

External links

* [http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/hornedpuffin.htm NatureWorks - The Horned Puffin]