Location and Habitat
The puffin, often referred to as the “clown of the sea” due to its colorful beak and striking appearance, primarily makes its home along the rocky coastlines of the North Atlantic Ocean. These birds are most commonly found in Iceland, Norway, Greenland, and parts of North America, such as Maine and Eastern Canada. Puffins are well-adapted to life both on land and at sea, nesting in burrows on steep cliff shores and foraging for fish by diving into the cold ocean waters.
On the other hand, the Arctic tern is famous for its remarkable migratory pattern, traveling from its breeding grounds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions all the way to the Antarctic and back again each year. This small, agile bird is found in coastal areas and is renowned for having the longest migration of any animal in the world. During breeding season, Arctic terns can be observed in parts of northern Europe, Asia, and North America, preferring open tundra habitats where they lay their eggs on the bare ground.
Puffin vs. Arctic Tern Comparison
| Feature | Puffin | Arctic Tern |
|---|---|---|
| Size and Weight | 28-34 cm in length, 350-500 g | 28-39 cm in length, 90-120 g |
| Ability to Finish Opponent | Low; primarily feeds on fish | Low; primarily feeds on fish and small marine invertebrates |
| Weaponry | Sharp beak | Sharp beak |
Hunting and Skills
Puffins primarily feed on small fish such as sand eels, herring, and capelin, which they catch by diving underwater using their wings to swim. They are also known to eat crustaceans and mollusks. Puffins are adept at catching several fish in one dive, holding them in their specialized beaks that allow them to accumulate catches during a single hunting trip. They typically hunt alone or in small groups.
Arctic Terns, on the other hand, have a diet consisting mainly of fish and small marine invertebrates. They are exceptional fliers and hunt by performing aerial dives into the water to snatch their prey. Arctic Terns are also known for their remarkable long-distance migratory patterns, traveling from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year, which influences their feeding habits across diverse marine environments globally. They often feed on small fish like herring and sand lance as well as krill and small crustaceans.
Puffin vs. Arctic Tern Who Would Win?
The puffin and the Arctic tern engage in a territorial dispute. The puffin uses its robust body and strong beak to defend itself. The Arctic tern, being agile, attempts to outmaneuver the puffin with quick aerial dives. The puffin, less agile in the air, struggles to keep up with the tern’s speed but holds its ground on land or near the water’s surface. The tern’s attacks are persistent but not very damaging. The puffin’s stronger pecks and physical strength give it an advantage in close encounters. Eventually, the Arctic tern, unable to inflict significant harm, retreats to avoid injury.
Winner: Puffin with a 70% chance of winning.
