In summer, the puffin's bill is colorful, the upper parts of the body and collar are black and the underparts white. In winter, the face is grayish and the bill smaller and duller. Puffins do not sit on their eggs. They move up against the egg and cover it with their wing and side. Under water, puffins use their wings to swim while guiding themselves with their feet.
Atlantic puffins weigh about one pound and stand one foot tall.
Clowns of the Sea Puffins are sturdy sea birds, shaped like a triangle, with unusual colorful grooved beaks and bright orange feet. These sea birds spend most of their lives on the water, coming ashore only to breed and raise their single puffling each year. The Puffin is probably the best known member of the Auk family, although there are another 21 species including Guillemots and Razorbills. It is instantly recognisible with its brightly coloured bill and well liked by all birdwatchers. Interestingly enough, in the winter, this bill is shed to reveal a smaller, darker bill.