Animal Guide

Horned Puffin

8 destinations · 8 states

Native Range: North Pacific coasts and islands

Horned puffins have a distinctive look that becomes even more interesting when you see one close up. Their thick orange bill is joined by small fleshy projections above the eyes, giving the bird its name, while the white face and dark body create a sharp contrast. At an aquarium or wildlife destination, watch how differently they move on land and in water. On shore, they can look a little awkward as they walk, but underwater they use their wings like flippers, steering quickly as they search for small fish and other prey. Their feet help with direction, while the compact body stays streamlined during a dive. During the breeding season, horned puffins gather along rocky coastal cliffs and islands of the North Pacific. A close view of the bill can reveal fine ridges and colorful details that are easy to miss from a distance. Their unusual face, strong swimming ability, and quick underwater movements make them especially fun to observe.

Horned Puffin

Where to see Horned Puffin

8 destinations across 8 states

8 destinations

Alaska SeaLife Center

Seward, AK

Aquarium of the Pacific

Long Beach, CA

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, OH

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, GA

North Carolina Zoo

Asheboro, NC

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Newport, OR

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Tacoma, WA

Saint Louis Zoo

St. Louis, MO

Your ZooHopper Passport

Turn your wildlife adventures into a Passport

Keep track of the zoos, aquariums, safari parks, and wildlife destinations you've visited—and save the places you want to explore next.

Remember every visit
Build your wishlist
Collect Passport Stamps
Share photos & contribute

Create Your Passport

Dan's Passport

Places: 12
States: 6
Wishlist: 9

Passport stamps

Recently visited

Bronx ZooBronx, NY
Georgia AquariumAtlanta, GA
San Diego Zoo Safari ParkEscondido, CA

MY WISHLIST

Monterey Bay AquariumMonterey, CA