Birdwatch: the paradoxical puffin – a comical bird with a fighting spirit
The puffin is a charismatic seabird known for its clown-like appearance and paradoxical behavior, such as fighting larger birds for food. However, the species faces significant threats from climate change, avian flu, and human disturbance.
Why it matters
Puffins serve as an indicator species for the health of North Atlantic marine ecosystems, which are currently under stress.
Bill Oddie memorably described them as ‘looking like old men in dinner jackets’. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer Bill Oddie memorably described them as ‘looking like old men in dinner jackets’. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer Birdwatch Birds Birdwatch: the paradoxical puffin – a comical bird with a fighting spirit Despite their size and gentle appearance, puffins will fight to keep their catch of sand eels from an opportunistic gull
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