Newfoundland puffins are one of the most iconic seabirds associated with the coastal regions of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), which is Newfoundland’s official bird, is known for its colorful beak, distinctive black and white plumage, and remarkable diving ability. Puffins are beloved not only for their unique appearance but also for their fascinating behaviors, especially during breeding season when they nest in large colonies on the coastal cliffs.
Key Information About Newfoundland Puffins:
1. Appearance
- Size: Atlantic puffins are relatively small seabirds, about 10 inches (25 cm) in height, with a wingspan of approximately 20-24 inches (50-61 cm).
- Plumage: Puffins have black backs and white bellies, which give them a “penguin-like” appearance. Their most recognizable feature is their bright orange, yellow, and blue triangular beak during the breeding season, which dulls in color during the non-breeding season.
- Feet: They have bright orange webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers and divers.
2. Breeding and Nesting
- Breeding Colonies: Newfoundland is home to some of the largest puffin breeding colonies in the world. Puffins nest in burrows or rock crevices along steep cliffs, often in large, dense colonies.
- Mating and Monogamy: Puffins are monogamous birds, meaning they form long-term pair bonds. They return to the same nesting site each year with their partner.
- Eggs and Chicks: Puffins typically lay one egg per breeding season. Both parents take turns incubating the egg and feeding the chick (called a “puffling”) once it hatches. The puffling remains in the burrow for about six weeks before fledging and heading out to sea.
3. Diet and Feeding
- Diving Abilities: Puffins are excellent divers and swimmers. They use their wings to “fly” underwater and can dive to depths of up to 60 meters (about 200 feet) to catch fish.
- Diet: Puffins feed primarily on small fish, such as capelin, herring, and sand eels. They can carry multiple fish in their beaks at once, thanks to a specialized hinge in their beak that allows them to hold several fish while continuing to catch more.
4. Migration and Life at Sea
- Life at Sea: Puffins spend most of their lives on the open ocean, only coming to land during the breeding season. They are well adapted to life at sea, able to survive harsh conditions and long migrations.
- Wintering Grounds: After the breeding season, puffins leave their nesting grounds and migrate into the open Atlantic Ocean. Their exact wintering locations are still not fully understood, but they are known to travel far from the coast during the colder months.
5. Puffin Conservation
- Population: The Atlantic puffin is currently listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN, meaning it is not immediately at risk of extinction. However, puffin populations are monitored due to concerns about environmental changes, such as climate change, overfishing (which affects their food supply), and pollution.
- Conservation Efforts: In Newfoundland, conservation efforts are in place to protect puffin nesting areas, reduce human disturbance, and prevent predators (like gulls) from threatening puffin colonies. Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, located off the coast of Newfoundland, is one of the largest puffin colonies in North America, with over half a million puffins nesting there during the breeding season.
6. Puffin Viewing in Newfoundland
Newfoundland is one of the best places in the world to view puffins in their natural habitat. Some popular places to see puffins include:
- Witless Bay Ecological Reserve: This group of islands is home to the largest puffin colony in North America. Tour boats regularly visit the area to offer tourists a chance to view puffins along with other seabirds and marine life.
- Elliston: Known as the “Root Cellar Capital of the World,” Elliston, on the Bonavista Peninsula, offers one of the most accessible puffin viewing sites from land.
- Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve: While this site is more famous for its gannet colony, puffins can also be spotted in the area.
Fun Facts About Newfoundland Puffins:
- “Sea Parrots”: Puffins are often nicknamed “sea parrots” because of their brightly colored beaks.
- Flying Skills: Though they are excellent swimmers, puffins are also skilled fliers, capable of flapping their wings up to 400 times per minute, allowing them to reach speeds of 88 km/h (55 mph).
- Longevity: Puffins can live up to 20 years in the wild, with some even reaching 30 years.
Conclusion:
Puffins are a treasured symbol of Newfoundland and Labrador, offering a unique glimpse into the beauty and diversity of coastal seabird life. Whether observed from a boat or a coastal viewpoint, watching these charismatic birds during the breeding season is a highlight for both tourists and locals alike. Conservation efforts continue to ensure that future generations can enjoy the sight of puffins thriving in their natural habitat.
Puffin Stories
Puffins, with their quirky appearance and engaging behavior, have captured the imaginations of many people, especially in places like Newfoundland, where they are abundant. Here are some entertaining and fascinating stories related to puffins, particularly from Newfoundland and other regions where they are prominent.
1. The Great Puffin Rescue in Newfoundland
One of the most heartwarming puffin stories comes from the town of Witless Bay, Newfoundland, home to a massive puffin colony. Every year, a unique event unfolds when young puffins, known as “pufflings,” get confused by the town’s street lights during their maiden flight to the sea.
Normally, pufflings use the reflection of the moon on the water to guide them. However, the bright city lights can disorient them, causing them to wander into the town instead of heading for the ocean. To save these lost pufflings, residents of Witless Bay and nearby towns participate in an annual Puffin Patrol.
- Volunteers, including children and families, spend their nights carefully catching the lost pufflings and placing them in cardboard boxes or crates. The next morning, they release the pufflings back into the ocean, ensuring they safely reach their natural habitat. The sight of people, particularly young children, rescuing these pufflings has become a beloved tradition in the area and has inspired conservation awareness in the region.
2. The Puffin and the Priest
Another famous Newfoundland puffin story is tied to Father Ted O’Neill, a beloved local priest known for his eccentric personality and deep love of puffins. In the late 1970s, Father Ted helped establish the Witless Bay Puffin and Petrel Patrol to protect puffins that were getting caught in fishing nets or stranded in the town.
As an avid bird lover, Father Ted would often give sermons on puffin conservation, urging his parishioners to care for the local environment and wildlife. He even kept a puffin stuffed animal as part of his personal collection, using it to entertain children during Sunday school.
The priest’s work with puffins became so well-known that local people referred to him as the “Puffin Priest.” His efforts to raise awareness about protecting the environment and seabirds left a lasting legacy in the community, and he became a local legend for his devotion to both his faith and the natural world.
3. The Friendly Puffin of Elliston
In the small town of Elliston, Newfoundland, which is known for being one of the most accessible places to view puffins from land, there is a story of a particularly curious puffin that became famous among locals and tourists.
This puffin, affectionately named “Percy,” was known to approach visitors without fear, standing unusually close to people on the cliffs. Percy would come within arm’s reach of tourists, often posing for photos and seeming to interact with people who came to watch the puffins. Visitors were always amazed by Percy’s friendliness, and many wondered if he recognized the human presence as non-threatening.
While puffins are typically shy birds that keep their distance from humans, Percy became something of a local celebrity. Tour guides would sometimes joke that he was the town’s unofficial puffin ambassador. This rare interaction with a usually cautious bird further deepened the bond between the community and the seabird population.
4. A Puffin’s Return to Home
Puffins are known for their loyalty to their nesting sites, returning year after year to the same location to breed. One remarkable puffin story involves the use of geolocator tags, which were placed on puffins by researchers studying migration patterns.
In one notable case, a tagged puffin from Newfoundland was tracked as it migrated thousands of miles, traveling across the North Atlantic and spending its winter in the open ocean. Despite this vast journey, the puffin returned to the very same burrow on the cliffs of Witless Bay the following year.
This extraordinary navigation ability stunned researchers and proved just how remarkable puffins are at finding their way back to their nesting sites. The story of this puffin’s incredible journey highlights the resilience of the species and their strong instinct to return home.
5. Puffins and Pirates: Legends of Treasure Island
Off the coast of Newfoundland, puffins have become part of pirate lore, thanks to their presence on Treasure Island (also known as Gull Island), one of the islands in Witless Bay. Legend has it that pirates once hid treasure on these islands, though it has never been found. However, puffins now “guard” these treasure-laden cliffs with their large colonies.
Local stories mix fact and fiction, with puffins being humorously cast as the “keepers” of the hidden pirate treasure. Children in the area often grow up with playful tales that the puffins know where the treasure is buried, but no one can convince them to give up the secret. Although no gold has ever been found, the treasure for visitors is the incredible sight of thousands of puffins flying and diving around the cliffs.
6. The Puffin Whistle: Musical Traditions
In Newfoundland, puffins have inspired more than just stories—they’ve influenced local traditions, including music. The sound of puffins calling to each other—especially the low, growling-like noise they make—has been mimicked in traditional Newfoundland music.
Local artisans sometimes craft puffin whistles, small wooden or metal instruments that replicate the sounds of puffins communicating. These whistles are used in folk music performances and are also sold as souvenirs to tourists. While they don’t sound exactly like a puffin, the whistles evoke the essence of the seabirds and have become a part of the musical landscape in some coastal communities.
Puffin Memorabilia
Puffin memorabilia has become increasingly popular, especially in regions like Newfoundland and other areas where puffins are a beloved symbol of local wildlife. Puffin-themed souvenirs and collectibles can be found in a variety of forms, celebrating the charm and uniqueness of these seabirds. Here are some common types of puffin memorabilia and where you might find them:
1. Puffin Figurines and Statues
- Material: Puffin figurines are often made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, wood, resin, or even glass. These small collectibles are detailed to resemble the Atlantic puffin’s colorful beak and distinct black-and-white plumage.
- Styles: Some puffin statues are realistic and lifelike, while others are more stylized or artistic, with exaggerated features that enhance the puffin’s playful character.
- Where to Find Them: These are commonly sold in local gift shops in Newfoundland, especially around popular puffin-viewing areas like Witless Bay or Elliston.
2. Puffin Art and Prints
- Watercolor and Oil Paintings: Puffins are often the subject of local artwork, with many artists creating beautiful renditions of puffins in their natural coastal habitat. Watercolor, oil paintings, and prints of puffins diving, flying, or nesting are available for purchase.
- Puffin Photography: Puffin photography, capturing the birds in flight or during their iconic “bill-clapping” rituals, is a popular form of puffin memorabilia. Professional photographers often sell framed prints or postcards featuring puffins on the cliffs of Newfoundland.
- Where to Find Them: Many local artists and galleries in Newfoundland carry puffin-themed artwork, and it can also be found in art festivals or online through platforms like Etsy.
3. Puffin Clothing and Accessories
- T-Shirts and Hoodies: Puffin-themed clothing is a popular choice for tourists. T-shirts, hoodies, and caps featuring puffin images, logos, or slogans like “I Love Puffins” or “Puffin Patrol” are commonly found in Newfoundland gift shops.
- Socks and Scarves: Fun and colorful puffin socks or scarves, often featuring patterns of puffins, are another favorite puffin-themed accessory. They make for quirky and cozy souvenirs.
- Where to Find Them: Puffin-themed clothing can be purchased at tourist gift shops, wildlife reserves, and online stores that specialize in Newfoundland merchandise.
4. Puffin Jewelry
- Necklaces and Earrings: Puffin-themed jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches, often feature small puffin pendants or charms. These items can range from simple and playful to more elegant, with puffin designs crafted in silver, gold, or enamel.
- Where to Find Them: You can find puffin jewelry in craft stores, jewelry boutiques, and souvenir shops across Newfoundland. Some local artisans specialize in hand-crafted puffin jewelry, which is also sold online.
5. Puffin Plush Toys
- For Kids and Adults: Puffin plush toys are a hit with both children and adults. These soft, cuddly versions of the Atlantic puffin often feature their distinctive orange beaks and feet, along with the black-and-white body.
- Custom Designs: Some plush puffins come with accessories like scarves or hats, adding a playful element to the toys.
- Where to Find Them: Puffin plush toys are available at wildlife reserves, museums, and gift shops. They are especially popular in areas like St. John’s, where many tourists pick them up as gifts for children.
6. Puffin Home Décor
- Puffin Mugs and Kitchenware: Puffin-themed mugs, plates, and kitchen towels are commonly found in Newfoundland. These items make for practical and fun keepsakes, often featuring illustrations or witty sayings about puffins.
- Puffin Pillows and Blankets: Puffin-themed home décor items like throw pillows and blankets are also popular. These items are usually decorated with puffin patterns or embroidered images, adding a coastal or wildlife theme to any home.
- Where to Find Them: Puffin home décor items are sold in tourist shops, craft fairs, and online, often as part of collections that focus on local wildlife and culture.
7. Puffin Books
- Children’s Books: Puffins are a favorite subject in children’s literature, with numerous books that tell stories of puffins or use them as characters in adventure or educational stories. Some books also educate kids about puffin biology and conservation.
- Non-Fiction and Photography Books: For adults, there are many books focused on puffin biology, behavior, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting puffin colonies. Coffee table books filled with puffin photography are also popular.
- Where to Find Them: These books are commonly found in bookstores in Newfoundland and other areas where puffins are popular. They are also available online.
8. Puffin Postcards and Magnets
- Postcards: Puffin postcards, often featuring photographs of puffins in their natural habitats, are among the simplest and most affordable puffin memorabilia. They make great souvenirs for sending or keeping as mementos.
- Magnets: Puffin magnets featuring images or artistic designs of puffins are another popular collectible. These are easy to find and affordable, making them perfect for casual collectors or travelers.
- Where to Find Them: Postcards and magnets can be found in just about every gift shop, especially in tourist spots like the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve or Elliston.
9. Puffin Whistles
- Traditional Souvenir: Puffin whistles, which are small wooden or ceramic instruments designed to mimic the puffin’s call, are a charming and traditional Newfoundland souvenir. They are often handmade and have become a symbol of local craftsmanship.
- Where to Find Them: These whistles can be found in gift shops, especially in areas focused on local arts and crafts.
10. Puffin-Themed Puzzles and Games
- Jigsaw Puzzles: Puffin jigsaw puzzles are popular among puzzle enthusiasts, often featuring beautiful images of puffins in their natural habitat. These puzzles come in a variety of difficulty levels, making them a fun activity for families.
- Games: Puffin-themed board games, card games, and other activities are also sometimes found in tourist shops. These are usually designed to be educational and entertaining, especially for younger audiences.
- Where to Find Them: These items are available in gift shops and stores that focus on family-friendly activities, particularly in coastal tourist towns.
Conclusion:
Puffin memorabilia offers a wide variety of options for both tourists and locals who want to celebrate or remember their connection to these fascinating birds. From practical items like mugs and clothing to artistic pieces like paintings and jewelry, puffin-themed souvenirs are a unique way to bring a piece of Newfoundland’s coastal charm home with you.
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Summary
Puffins, with their unique charm, have inspired numerous stories and traditions in Newfoundland, ranging from heartfelt conservation efforts like the Puffin Patrol to local legends of pirates and treasure. These stories highlight the special bond between the people of Newfoundland and the puffin colonies that nest along their coasts. Puffins are not just a symbol of the region’s wildlife but a beloved part of its cultural and historical fabric.
Links to other puffin related sites