Quck answer
Penguins and puffins are both flightless birds that live in cold, aquatic environments. However, there are several differences between them:
| | Penguins | Puffins |
|———-|——————-|——————–|
| Size | Taller and heavier | Smaller and lighter |
| Habitat | Southern hemisphere | Northern hemisphere |
| Diet | Mostly fish and squid | Smaller fish and crustaceans |
| Appearance | Black and white feathers, wings that function as flippers | Black and white feathers, colorful beaks |
| Breeding | Males and females share parenting duties | Males and females take turns incubating eggs |
Overall, while penguins and puffins may look similar at first glance, they have distinct differences in size, habitat, diet, appearance, and breeding habits.
Wild Animals
Penguins and Puffins: It’s Not Just About Black and White
В©iStockphoto/PaulTessier
Don’t be misled into thinking that penguins and puffins are closely related on the avian family tree. Genetically, they are not siblings or even cousins. Penguins belong to the family Spheniscidae, while puffins are members of the family Alcidae. There are 17 different species of penguin and four species of puffin, with no overlap. Moreover, they live on opposite sides of the globe, with puffins residing in the Northern Hemisphere, especially Iceland, and penguins in the Southern Hemisphere, from Antarctica to South America.
В©iStockphoto/Coldimages
The most evident difference between these two birds is flight. While puffins are lighter and more compact, they can fly, but penguins can’t. Because of their chubby bodies and rigid wings, penguins are permanently grounded. But penguins’ wings serve as underwater flippers to propel them hundreds of feet below the surface of the water, which is a useful trait since their diet consists mainly of fish and small crustaceans. During seasonal migrations, penguins swim instead of flying like other birds. Some penguins are even capable of swimming faster than 20 mph (32 kph) [source: HowStuffWorks].
Puffins, like penguins, have a similar diet, primarily consisting of small fish such as herring, hake, and capelin. They propel themselves in water with their wings, but only dive under for 20 to 30 seconds at a time [source: Project Puffin]. Although they may not swim as deep as penguins, puffins can carry a significant amount of fish in their mouths to feed their chicks. Their mouths’ roofs are covered in small spikes to catch fish, allowing a record-setting puffin to store 62 fish at once [source: Taylor].
So, who wins in the match-up between flying puffins and diving penguins? We’ll have to call it a draw for now, until a penguin takes to the sky or a puffin performs underwater acrobatics. Like comparing bagels and doughnuts, it’s difficult to determine which one is the best.
Related HowStuffWorks Articles
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More Great Links
- AnimalPlanet.com
- Project Puffin
- Animal Diversity Web: Penguins
- Earth Guide: Penguins
Sources
The following is a list of sources related to penguins and puffins. It includes articles from Associated Press and National Geographic as well as information from Project Puffin and Earth Guide. The sources cover topics such as the resurgence of puffins in Maine, the extinction of the great auk, the characteristics of penguins, and the behavior of puffins. The list also includes links to Animal Diversity Web, which provides detailed information about specific species of penguins and puffins. All HTML tags have been preserved in the original text.
FAQ
1. What are penguins and puffins?
Penguins and puffins are both flightless birds that live in the colder regions of the world. Penguins are found in Antarctica, while puffins are found in the Northern Hemisphere, mainly in the Atlantic Ocean.
2. How do penguins and puffins look different?
Penguins are black and white with a sleek and streamlined body, while puffins have a more colorful appearance with bright orange beaks and webbed feet. Puffins also have a distinct facial expression with their eyes set further back on their head.
3. What do penguins and puffins eat?
Penguins primarily feed on fish and krill, while puffins eat small fish, crustaceans, and squid. Both birds are excellent swimmers and divers, and their diet is mainly found in the ocean.
4. Do penguins and puffins have any predators?
Penguins have to watch out for predators such as leopard seals and killer whales, while puffins face threats from larger seabirds and stoats that prey on their eggs and chicks.
5. How do penguins and puffins raise their young?
Penguins and puffins both lay eggs and take turns incubating them. Once the chicks hatch, the parents work together to feed and care for them until they are ready to fend for themselves.
6. Can penguins and puffins live together?
No, penguins and puffins cannot live together as they are from different parts of the world and have different habitats and diets. However, they are both fascinating and unique birds that capture the attention of many animal lovers.
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