Atlantic Puffins of Iceland

The westernmost point in Europe is home to Iceland’s largest cliffs, Látrabjarg. These rocky outcrops are protected from the wind, spread over 7.75 miles (14 km) and reach heights of over 1,447 feet (441 m) making them an attractive nesting ground for Atlantic Puffins. Iceland is home to over half of the world’s population of Atlantic Puffins. While they spend much of their lives in the water, diving and catching fish, puffins can be found rearing their chicks on the steep cliffs of Iceland’s coast in the spring and summer. Although puffins look similar to penguins, they can fly 48 to 55 mph (77 to 88 km/hr). The puffin beats its wings up to 400 times per minute. Their specialized beaks allow them to carry on average 10 fish per trip. The record (recorded in Maine) is 62 fish at once.

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