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Species › Birds

Atlantic Puffin

Fratercula arctica

Order
Charadriiformes
Family
Alcidae
Presence in the Strait
Seasonal
Abundance
common
Protection in Spain
Special protection (List)
In Spanish
Frailecillo atlántico

Marine taxonomy: validated in WoRMS, AphiaID 137131

Photograph: Julia Moning, CC BY, vía iNaturalist

Length
26–29 cm
Wingspan
47–63 cm
Weight
400 g
0204060LENGTH26–29 cmWINGSPAN47–63 cmcentimetres

Presence in the Strait

Common pelagic winter visitor, more abundant during migration.

Identification

Like a Razorbill, but smaller with a colourful wide bill, dark-grey face, black collar and dark underwings. Breeding plumage displays white tones on face and a more colourful bill. Rapid flight with very Alcidae Arao Común ad.W Alca Común ad.E ad.W ad.W Mérgulo Atlántico ad.E Frailecillo Atlántico ad.W powerful wing beats. Juveniles are like adults in winter but with a narrow and less colourful bill.

Movements

Very little information on postnuptial migration that takes place from October to December; prenuptial peaks in 2nd hf. March.

Ring recoveries

United Kingdom (2).

Bioestrecho editorial text. Last revised: 8 September 2026.

Gallery

Photographs from iNaturalist observations with the licence checked file by file. Those marked “Strait” were taken within the area; place and date are those of each observation.