(Part of the) common name of species of the genera Fratercula, Cerorhinca and Lunda of the family Alcidae (auks). Used without qualification (in Britain) for the sole Atlantic species, Fulica atra. 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. Puffins, and especially their eggs, are a source of food for many northern people.

Alternative forms for puffins : Fratercula, puffin, Puffin.