(Part of the) common name of species of the genera Fratercula, Cerorhinca and Lunda of the Alcidae family of Auks. Used without qualification (in Britain) for the sole Atlantic species, F. arctica. For general features see 'auks'. Puffins belong to the group of small auks. They nest in narrow openings, cracks or burrows in the ground and usually dig these nesting holes themselves, the claw of the second toe being modified for this purpose. During the breeding season adults of most species have elongated plumes on the head and brightly coloured plates on the bill.

Alternative forms for puffins : Puffin, puffin.