Puffin Parent’s Heroic Fishing Journey to Feed Its Puffling

In the breathtaking cliffs of the Arctic, thousands of seabirds call these towering fortresses home. Among them, the charming puffin stands out—not just for its colorful beak, but for its remarkable dedication to its family.

Puffins are devoted parents who share the responsibility of raising their puffling, a chick that demands up to five meals a day. To meet this demand, both parents embark on fishing trips, sometimes traveling up to 50 kilometers to find the best fishing grounds. Once they reach these spots, they dive into the icy depths, using their short wings to expertly navigate underwater. Puffins can hold their breath for over a minute and dive as deep as 40 meters in search of fish.

The journey home is equally challenging. After an exhausting round trip of nearly 100 kilometers, puffins must dodge Arctic skuas—clever pirates of the coast who prey on returning parents. With swift, maneuverable wings, these skuas pose a significant threat, making each return a perilous feat.

Despite these challenges, puffins persevere. Their commitment to feeding their puffling amidst changing sea conditions showcases the incredible resilience of these seabirds.