Puffins can indeed fly. They are seabirds that belong to the family Alcidae, which also includes other auks like razorbills and guillemots. However, what sets puffins apart from other auks is their flying behavior.
Puffins are known for their impressive flying speed. They can reach speeds of up to 55 mph, which is quite fast for a bird of their size. This is due to their strong wings and streamlined body shape, which allows them to cut through the air with relative ease.
In terms of flight altitude, puffins tend to fly at a higher altitude compared to other auks. While auks like razorbills and guillemots prefer to stay just a few feet above the sea, puffins usually maintain a cruising altitude of around 30 feet. This higher flying altitude may be attributed to their need to search for food, as they primarily feed on small fish like sand eels and herring.
It is important to note that while puffins are proficient flyers, they are also excellent swimmers. Their wings are adapted for both flying and underwater propulsion, allowing them to dive into the water to catch their prey. Puffins can dive to depths of up to 200 feet, using their wings to “fly” through the water and propel themselves towards their prey.
Interestingly, puffins are particularly abundant in Iceland. Approximately sixty percent of the world’s puffin population breeds in Iceland, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Iceland’s rugged coastline and abundant food sources make it an ideal breeding ground for these charismatic seabirds.
Puffins are indeed capable of flying. They are known for their impressive flying speed and ability to maintain a cruising altitude of around 30 feet. Additionally, their strong wings and streamlined body shape allow them to navigate through the air with agility. However, it is worth noting that puffins are also skilled swimmers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater in search of food.