How tall and how much does an Atlantic Puffin weigh?

The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is a medium-sized seabird in the auk family. Here is a quick overview of the Atlantic Puffin’s size:

Weight

An adult Atlantic Puffin weighs on average 400-750 grams (0.9-1.7 pounds).

Height

An Atlantic Puffin stands around 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) tall.

Wingspan

An Atlantic Puffin has a wingspan of around 50-60 cm (20-24 inches).

In the following sections, we will go into more detail on the typical height, weight, and wingspan ranges for Atlantic Puffins.

Weight of Atlantic Puffins

The average weight of an adult Atlantic Puffin ranges from around 400 grams (0.9 pounds) to 750 grams (1.7 pounds).

Here are some more details on puffin weight:

• Male Atlantic Puffins tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females.
• Puffin chicks hatch weighing around 35-40 grams. They put on weight quickly and fledge at around 2-3 months old weighing 200-300 grams.
• Puffins continue growing after fledging and reach adult weight at around 2-3 years old.
• Puffins gain significant weight before migrating and breeding each year, increasing their body mass by up to 30-50%.
• Peak puffin weights occur just before egg laying. Females may weigh over 500 grams at this time.
• Puffins can lose a third of their body mass or more during the breeding season as they work hard to raise their chick.

In summary, the typical weight range for an adult Atlantic Puffin is 400-750 grams, but their weight fluctuates significantly throughout the year.

Factors Affecting Puffin Weight

Several factors can influence the exact weight of an individual Atlantic Puffin:

• Age – Puffins gain weight each year until reaching adult size at 2-3 years old.
• Time of year – Puffins are heaviest just prior to breeding and lightest after breeding.
• Food availability – Access to fish affects puffin weight and breeding success.
• Parasites – Heavy parasite loads may reduce weight.
• Weather – Harsh weather and storms can cause puffins to lose weight.
• Health – Injuries, diseases, and other health issues can reduce weight.

Height of Atlantic Puffins

Atlantic Puffins have a stocky, rounded body shape. When standing fully upright, they typically measure 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) in height.

Some more information on puffin height:

• Males tend to be slightly larger than females.
• There is some regional variation in size. For example, puffins in Iceland are generally larger than those in eastern Canada.
• Puffins stand fully upright when courting and socializing, making themselves look as large as possible.
• They assume a more horizontal stance when resting or incubating eggs.
• Chicks hatch at around 5 cm tall and grow quickly.

This table shows how puffin height increases rapidly in the first year of life until reaching adult size.

Wingspan of Atlantic Puffins

Atlantic Puffins have short, triangular wings adapted for flying and diving. Their wingspan ranges from around 50-60 cm (20-24 inches).

Some more details on puffin wingspan:

• Males tend to have a slightly longer wingspan than females.
• A puffin’s wingspan is around 2.5 times its body length.
• Wings are largest just before migration and get worn down over the breeding season.
• The wings have stiff flight feathers on the outer half and dense, soft feathers underneath for warmth and waterproofing.
• Their wing shape allows puffins to flap powerfully to take off but also glide efficiently.

A puffin chick’s initial wingspan is tiny but grows rapidly to reach adult size before the end of the first year.

Conclusion

In summary, the typical size statistics for an Atlantic Puffin are:

• Weight: 400-750 g (0.9-1.7 lbs)
• Height: 20-30 cm (8-12 in)
• Wingspan: 50-60 cm (20-24 in)

However, puffin size can vary based on age, sex, region, time of year, and health conditions. Understanding the normal size range can help monitor the growth and condition of puffin populations.