How does a puffin hunt underwater?
The Atlantic puffin is a small North Atlantic seabird that uses its wings like flippers underwater.
Anatomy, feeding and habitat
Short wings require rapid beats in air but provide strong underwater propulsion, while webbed feet help steer. Vision functions during dives to catch small schooling fish. Structures along the bill and the tongue can hold several fish crosswise while allowing another to be captured. A bird's bill, feet, wings and feathers offer clues to feeding and movement, although one structure can serve several functions. Flight depends on muscles, body proportions and weather as well as wing size. Season, age and molt may change appearance.
Behavior, reproduction and conservation
It nests in burrows or crevices on rocky islands and cliffs, commonly with both parents feeding one chick. Changes in sea temperature and fish distribution may force adults to travel farther or bring smaller prey. Fishing, plastic and introduced land predators affect colonies. Breeding timing relates to food and climate, and nest success from one year is not generalized. Light pollution, glass collisions, habitat loss and invasive species affect birds differently. Conservation includes feeding, resting and migration sites as well as nests.