PUFFIN Meaning and
Definition
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A puffin is a seabird belonging to the family Alcidae. They are primarily found in the northern hemisphere, particularly in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. Puffins are characterized by their unique appearance, with a stout body, short wings, and a distinct brightly colored beak. They have a black and white plumage, with a triangular-shaped head and small, rounded wings.
Puffins are highly adapted to a life spent both in the air and underwater. They possess powerful wings that enable them to fly swiftly, reaching speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. However, they are most remarkable for their ability to dive and swim underwater, using their wings to propel through the water in pursuit of fish, which form the main part of their diet.
These birds are known for their exceptional diving skills, capable of plunging to depths of up to 200 feet when hunting for prey. Puffins use their uniquely shaped beak to catch and hold multiple fish at once, securing them crosswise in their bill before returning to the surface. They are highly skilled fliers and can often be seen performing acrobatic aerial displays during courtship rituals.
Puffins are also known for their nesting behavior. They typically breed in large colonies on coastal cliffs and islands, creating burrows in the soil or using crevices in rocks. Pairs of puffins are monogamous, and both parents take part in incubating their single egg and raising the chick.
Due to their distinctive appearance and interesting behaviors, puffins have become popular subjects of admiration and study for birdwatchers and naturalists alike.
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A water-fowl of several species which makes a puffing sound when caught; a kind of fungus containing dust-also puff-ball.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PUFFIN
Etymology of PUFFIN
The word "puffin" is derived from the Old Norse word "papúfa", which is believed to come from the combination of the words "paput" (meaning "fat") and "fa" (meaning "to feed"). This original term referred to the plump appearance of the bird. Over time, "papúfa" evolved to become "puffin" in Modern English.
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