Atlantic Puffin vs Horned Puffin

In short

The Atlantic Puffin and Horned Puffin are similar seabirds with distinctive bills and plumage. The Atlantic Puffin has a more colorful bill and bright orange legs, while the Horned Puffin features a black 'horn' above the eye. Both species are clumsy on land but agile divers at sea.

Identification tips

• Bill color: Look for the Atlantic Puffin's more colorful bill with orange, yellow, and blue hues.
• Eye markings: The Horned Puffin has a distinctive black 'horn' above the eye.
• Leg color: Bright orange legs are a key feature of the Atlantic Puffin.
• Location: Consider the geographic location; the Atlantic Puffin is in the North Atlantic, while the Horned Puffin is in the North Pacific.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of puffins, with no significant size difference noted.

Plumage

The Atlantic Puffin has a more colorful bill with a broad orange, yellow, and blue pattern, and bright orange legs. The Horned Puffin's bill is less colorful, primarily orange with a yellow base, and it features a black 'horn' above the eye. Both have black upperparts and white underparts.

Behaviour

Both puffins are clumsy on land but agile divers. The Atlantic Puffin is known for its variable colony attendance, while the Horned Puffin is more pelagic, spending much of its life far from land.

Habitat

The Atlantic Puffin breeds on offshore islands in the North Atlantic, while the Horned Puffin is found in the North Pacific, often far from land. Both species prefer areas with abundant forage fish.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a primary distinguishing feature between these species, as both have similar calls typical of puffins.