Tufted Puffin vs Scripps's Murrelet
Fratercula cirrhata compared with Synthliboramphus scrippsi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Tufted Puffin | Scripps's Murrelet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Fratercula cirrhata | Synthliboramphus scrippsi |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae | Alcidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 38.8 cm (15.3 in) | 24.0 cm (9.4 in) |
| Weight | 767.3 g (27.07 oz) | 175.5 g (6.19 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Tufted Puffin
Vulnerable
Scripps's Murrelet
About These Birds
Tufted Puffin
Tufted Puffin, 36–41 cm, is the largest North Pacific puffin, breeding on grassy slopes of islands from California to Kamchatka. Jet-black body, white face, massive orange-red bill, striking golden head tufts. Piscivore; carries multiple fish crosswise in bill. Pelagic in winter across North Pacific.
Scripps's Murrelet
Scripps's Murrelet, 22–24 cm, breeds in crevices on Channel Islands off southern California. White underparts contrasting with dark grey upperparts; white split extends up flanks. Nocturnal at colonies. Chicks lead-march to sea within 2 days of hatching. Piscivore; threatened by light pollution and introduced predators.