Image of the Day: A thoughtful-looking puffin taking a break in Ireland

Image: Rónan McLaughlin Photography

[It's] amber-listed due to its localised breeding population. The European population has been evaluated as depleted, due to a large historical decline.

The smallest species of Auk in Ireland, a highly marine species which is only found on land in the breeding season. A black and white seabird, with black above and white below. In the breeding season the parrot like multi-coloured bill and large white patch on the face make adults distinctive and easily recognisable at close quarters. The bill is smaller on the adult in winter and much smaller on the juvenile. At a distance can be told from Guillemot by its small size, thicker body, larger, heavier head and darker underwing.

Just over a month before these remarkable birds begin to return to their burrows.