Farne and Staple Islands

Attitude - Atlantic Puffin, Staple Island

In the spring, mature puffins return to land, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. On the ground they spend much time preening, spreading oil from their preen gland and setting each feather in its correct position with beak or claw. They also spend time standing by their burrow entrances and interacting with passing birds. Dominance is shown by an upright stance, with fluffed chest feathers and cocked tail, an exaggerated slow walk, head jerking and gaping.

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