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Spring Color! From the Puffins

Puffins’ colorful beaks brighten as mating season nears. They use them to pick up partners on the Loafing Ledge, giving new meaning to ‘picking up chicks.’

Every spring their beaks and feet turn a colorful orange in preparation for the breeding season.  The beaks and feet of puffins become brightly colored and the beak increases in size as the bird matures.  The size and color of puffin beaks may serve as badges of experience and help birds assess the ‘quality’ of potential mates. (Audubon Puffin Project)

Puffins return to the Live Cam in April – see highlights from last season here!