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HABITATS
The puffin is a small upright bird with a round head and short wings, that waddles on its toes.
In breeding season, the adult has a black back and white underparts and a pale grey disc on the face. It has a large triangular-shaped bill with red, yellow, and grey stripes, and bright orange legs and feet.
Out of breeding season, the face is much darker, and the bill is smaller and duller. Male and female puffins look the same.
The juvenile has an even smaller bill, and a dark face with dusky cheeks and plain black upperwing.
Puffins are a common summer resident found around much of the coastline of the UK except the south and southeast, although they are rarer in Ireland. In winter they move further out to sea, but can sometimes on occasion be spotted inshore.
SPOTTING TIPS
Puffins are best seen on islands so you will need to plan ahead to find a suitable boat crossing to take you to a breeding colony.
When you visit a colony, avoid disturbing the birds by moving slowly and quietly. Don’t get too close but stay at a safe distance to watch them as they investigate burrows, greet each other, engage in courtship displays, and perhaps even fight each other.
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