The Tufted puffin is the most recognized seabird in Oregon. It is common to abundant at breeding rocks but rare to uncommon elsewhere owing to its pelagic feeding habits. It is easily identified in the breeding season by the colorful laterally compressed bill, a distinct white face with long cream colored facial plumes, black body, and red feet. In winter it moves offshore and loses most of its colorful plumage and bill plates.

It nests along the entire Oregon coast where soil-covered islands are present. It also nests on headlands such as Cape Mears, Cape Lookout, Cape Foulweather, and Yaquina Head. Major nesting concentration is in the north of the state, with two-thirds of nesting birds at Three Arch Rocks.

The Tufted puffin is an Oregon Conservation Strategy Species in the Nearshore ecoregion.

Hear the call of the Tufted puffin

Photo by Kathy Munsel, ODFW