Puffins in Arctic: Their Secrets
Basics Of Puffins
Puffins are fabulous flyers. Puffins are able to flap their wings 400 times in one minute, which increase their speed. They can fly at the speed of 88km/h. These colourful birds also able to swim and known as best swimmers. Their bills change colour throughout the year. They have special beaks that help them in fishing.
Puffin's Habitat
Puffins live in North Africa from Canada to Norway and South to Spain. Horned puffins make nest in colonies on cliffs and islands over the sea and spend their winters at sea. Atlantic puffins make nests in burrows on rocky islands with short vegetation, and on sea cliffs. The spend the rest of the year at sea. Like many seabirds Puffins are long-lived, Their average life is about 30 years.
Puffin's Flying Abilities
Puffins Physical Abilities
Puffins have paws like ducks which help them to swim in water. Puffins are one of the few birds that have the ability to hold several small fishes in their bills at a time. Their raspy tougue and spiny palates allow them to firm grasp on 10-12 fishes in single foraging trip. Their bills and feets change colour throughout the year. Another feature is their waterproof feathers. Their short stiff wings also help them to fly under-water. Their bones are strong to stand under water pressure.
Puffins Breeding Season
Puffins lay just one egg per breeding season. Both male and females incubate it for around six weeks. The best time to find Atlantic puffins is their breeding season which is around April to August. During breeding season they come on islands to make nests. Puffins are also known to breed for life. They rarely change mate. They mate with same breed every year. Both male and female puffins incubate their egg and care their chick.
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