Newfoundland is home to many species of seabirds that resemble penguins in appearance and behavior. The two main birds found in Newfoundland that bear a striking resemblance to penguins are the Atlantic Puffin and the Razorbill. Both species are black and white waterbirds in the Alcidae family, along with penguins, and exhibit similar characteristics such as upright posture, waddling gait, and living in large breeding colonies. However, puffins and razorbills have the ability to fly, unlike penguins. These charismatic birds are an iconic part of the rich avian biodiversity of Newfoundland.
Atlantic Puffin
The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is often referred to as the “clown of the sea” thanks to its colorful beak and endearing appearance. It is the only puffin species found in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Some key facts about the Atlantic Puffin:
- It breeds in burrows on cliffs and offshore islands around Newfoundland, as well as other parts of eastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Faroe Islands. Major colonies exist in Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland.
- Stocky, black and white seabird reaching 25-30 cm in length with a wingspan around 60 cm.
- Bright orange legs, feet, and base of bill which becomes tri-colored with red, yellow and bluish gray towards the tip during breeding season.
- Spends most of its life at sea, only coming to land to breed. Feeds by pursuit diving for small fish, crustaceans and other marine invertebrates.
- Nests in underground burrows on cliffs and slopes. Lays a single white egg which both parents incubate for around 40 days.
- Has experienced population declines in Newfoundland likely due to impacts of commercial fishing as well as climate change effects on prey fish stocks.
- Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List but populations have rebounded somewhat in recent years due to conservation efforts.
The Atlantic Puffin has a distinctly clownish appearance that helps distinguish it from penguins. The colorful triangular bill, bold black and white plumage, orange feet, and upright stance give puffins an undeniable visual similarity to penguins. Their behaviors such as nesting in large, dense colonies and feeding on fish by pursuit diving also parallel those of penguins. However, puffins have the ability to fly with their short, narrow wings. Their flight is rapid and direct, unlike the fluttering flight of other seabirds. Overall, the Atlantic Puffin can be considered an “honorary penguin” of sorts in Newfoundland due to its comparable visual characteristics and ecological niche.
Razorbill
The Razorbill (Alca torda) is the largest Atlantic auk and the closest living relative to the extinct Great Auk. Here are some key facts on Razorbills:
- Breeds along coastal cliffs and islands in northeastern North America, Greenland, Iceland, and western Europe. Significant breeding colonies in Newfoundland.
- Stout black and white waterbird reaching 38-41 cm in length with a wingspan around 60 cm.
- Thick black head and breast with white underside. Prominent culmen and arched bill ending in a sharp point.
- Feeds on small schooling fish like capelin, sandlance and herring caught by pursuit diving underwater.
- Nests in rock crevices and slopes, laying one speckled egg. Both parents incubate for around 5 weeks.
- Population declined in 19th century due to hunting for feathers and eggs but has rebounded with protection.
- Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List but still faces threats from oil spills, commercial fishing, and climate change.
With its black and white plumage, large bill, and upright posture, the Razorbill shares some clear visual similarities with penguins. Their nesting habits in crowded colonies on cliffs and rocky islands also mirror those of some penguin species. Razorbills are expert swimmers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater to catch fish. They are capable of diving to depths over 100 meters. However, unlike penguins, Razorbills can fly. They have narrow, well-angled wings adapted for swimming underwater and flying through air. Overall, the Razorbill’s striking resemblance to penguins in appearance and lifestyle make it one of the most “penguin-like” birds found in Newfoundland.
Differences Between Puffins, Razorbills and Penguins
Although Atlantic Puffins and Razorbills share similarities with penguins in their morphology and behavior, there are some key differences:
- Puffins and razorbills have the ability to fly, while penguins use their wings for swimming instead of flight.
- Puffins and razorbills live in the Northern Hemisphere, whereas penguins are found exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Puffins and razorbills build nests on cliffs and rocky areas, while most penguins dig burrows or nest on ice.
- The bills of puffins and razorbills are laterally compressed, unlike the thicker bills of penguins.
- Puffins and razorbills are both around 25-40 cm long, smaller than many penguin species.
- Puffins and razorbills have seasonal plumage changes, becoming duller in winter. Penguins look the same year-round.
- Puffins and razorbills have higher-pitched vocalizations than penguins.
- Puffins and razorbills eat mainly fish, while penguins have a more diverse diet of krill, fish and other marine animals.
So while puffins and razorbills fill an ecological niche comparable to some penguins and have adopted a similar body form and lifestyle, they remain distinct in evolutionary history, anatomy, geographic distribution and other traits. The similarities are an excellent example of convergent evolution rather than close ancestry.
Other Seabirds Mistaken for Penguins in Newfoundland
Besides puffins and razorbills, other seabird species found in Newfoundland that share some visual similarities or behaviors with penguins include:
- Common Murre – Plump black and white auk with upright stance. Breeds densely packed on sea cliffs.
- Thick-billed Murre – Larger black and white auk species. Excellent swimmer and diver.
- Black Guillemot – Swims low in water like a penguin. Breeds along rocky coasts.
- Dovekie – Small, round black and white auk. Nests colonially in rock crevices.
However, none of these species resemble penguins as closely as puffins and razorbills do in terms of visual appearance, behavior, and ecological role. Puffins and razorbills remain the quintessential “penguins of the north” in Newfoundland.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Puffin and Razorbill are the two seabird species breeding in Newfoundland that bear the closest resemblance to penguins in their morphology and lifestyle. Their black and white plumage, upright stance, waddling gait, cliffside nesting colonies, swimming proficiency and diet of small fish allow puffins and razorbills to fit a similar ecological niche as penguins, albeit in the Northern rather than Southern Hemisphere. While they are not close genetic relatives of penguins, convergent evolution has led these auk species to adapt a body form and behaviors suited for life in cold northern waters that mirror their more famous cousins in the Antarctic. So while no penguins themselves inhabit Newfoundland, Atlantic Puffins and Razorbills are a fine feathered stand-in, showing that the “tuxedo bird” lifestyle succeeds far from the Antarctic. These charismatic birds are a highlight for birders and tourists visiting Newfoundland to witness firsthand the region’s unique biodiversity. Careful conservation efforts in recent decades have helped populations of these penguin-like seabirds recover after previous declines, and many colonies can be readily viewed today. Puffins, razorbills and other auks will continue to thrive as an iconic symbol of the rich marine wildlife that makes Newfoundland such a special place.
