Two Atlantic puffins in Elliston Aug. 19, 2024

Two Atlantic puffins in Elliston

In Elliston, Newfoundland and Labrador, Atlantic puffins, like the ones in today"s image, draw onlookers with their black and white plumage and orange beaks. As well as in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, these seabirds breed in several countries, including Russia, Iceland, Norway, and Greenland. These "sea parrots" have a wingspan of 47 to 63 centimetres and travel vast distances to mate. Surprisingly, the colour of their beaks changes seasonally; during the breeding season, it is brighter with a hint of yellow and orange. However, in the nonbreeding season, the beak sheds its yellow highlight.

© Daphne Roberts Photography/Getty Images

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