Besides being countershaded, puffins have a thick coat of small feathers called down under their dense top feathers. The fluffy down traps air whic h keeps the skin warm and dry. They also have an oil gland near the base of the tail. The beak is used to spread oil from this gland all over the feathers. It makes the feathers waterproof and helps the birds to float better.
Puffins are able to travel by several means.
When flying, their wings may beat 300-400 times per minute. Because they spend most of their lives on the open ocean, they are able to sw im as well. They are also able to do quite well beneath the water. In order to eat, puffins must dive underwater and catch small fish with their beaks. They use their wings to push against the wate r and it almost looks as if they are flying.