Fratercula arctica arctica

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Atlantic puffin
French : Macareux moine

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Charadriiformes
Family : Alcidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known

Identification
Adults can reach 36 cm in length for a weight of 460 g. Large head with a laterally compressed but deep huge bill. Bill color red and yellow with blue base. Plumage black on wings, back and crown, white on belly, breast and face.

Range and habitat
Breeds around coasts of north-east and east Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Arctic and north Atlantic archipelagoes, Norway, British isles and north-west France. Subspecies occurs from Baffin Island and Maine to Scandinavia and Iceland. Found along rocky coasts and at sea, mostly near cliffs with grassy tops.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is still numerous but alarmingly declining because of human expansion, grazing, hunting for sport and food and habitat degradation.
Ex-Situ Programs : ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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