The Atlantic Puffin
 In 1992 the Atlantic Puffin was made the official bird of Newfoundland and Labrador. Of the four puffin species, it is the only one that lives on the North Atlantic Ocean. Its Newfoundland breeding colonies, which are the largest in North America, are among the largest in the world. These colonies are located on three islands in Witless Bay, on the province's east coast. Puffins live mostly at sea from about October to around mid April, when they return to Newfoundland for the breeding season. Adult puffins remain on shore with their offspring until they are about six weeks old.
 After the breeding season, puffins shed the colourful plates on their bills. The birds are then much less noticeable as they head back to sea for the coming winter. Prior to breeding in the spring, puffins become flightless during the time it takes for their tattered wing and tail feathers to regrow. Although they are excellent swimmers, puffins are poor fliers, and they waddle when they walk on land.
 Many people visit Newfoundland just to see the puffins and some of the other 35 million seabirds that nest on the islands along the province's coast. Tour boats will take passengers to the largest colonies, on the islands which make up the Witness Bay Ecological Reserve. Here the puffins and other birds, including their nests, are protected by law. Learn more about the puffin at Canadian Wildlife Service.
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