Homing Puffin

Homing Puffins are a semi-common seabird native to Seclora. They have been semi-domesticated by local fisherman on the continent.
Catching a Homing Puffin is relatively easy. Stock a barrel with water and lots of small fish, leaving it unattended for a few days, for one to take notice. The birb will rapidly acclimatise to this new food source. For the next few days, only put the barrel out for a few hours in the morning and evening. The puffin will start to dispaly chonological behaviours by showing up shortly after the barrel is set on display. A few days of staying with the barrel so it adjusts to your presence and there you have it - a new friend. Keep a stash of food at hand and your pet will always return to you and your home (hence the name). Now if you're a particularly clever one, you may clue in to bringing your pet on your fishing trips. Their natural hunting instincts will guide you to the most prosperous waters each day.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Short and stocky, these birbs sport short tails, white bellies, black backs and wings, and orange-red feet. Its colouration provides a natural camoflague to help protect it from predators from above an below.
Their wings are constructed in a manner that allows a Homing Puffin to both fly and swim (beneath the water's surface). Their webbed feet aide them in move along the surface of the water.
Constrasted against their white faces, the black colouring of the top of their head looks like a swimming cap. Most notable of course is their disproportioned colourful beak. Their beaks are hinged so it can hold multiple small fish in a row without fear of losing their catch.

Genetics and Reproduction

Homing Puffins breed with singular lifelong mates after reaching maturity (~5 years old). Males attract a mate on land by grunting like a pig while casting the head backwards.
Males burrow a short tunnel in soft soil before constructing a nest lined with grass, leaves, and feathers at surface level. Females lay a single egg that the male fertilizes. Both parents incubate the egg and feed their chick until it fully fledges (about 6 weeks).

Ecology and Habitats

Homing Puffins are native to Seclora. They spend the warmer months along the coasts and the winter months at sea.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Homing Puffins can subsist on zooplankton but love freshly caught fish. They circle about 33 ft above the water before diving into the water to catch their food. Homing Puffins can remain underwater for approximately 1 minute before returning to the surface for air.
A fully developed Homing Puffin needs to consume about 40, 3 in. long fish each day.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Homing Puffins are silent at sea.

Lifespan

20 years

Average Height

13 in.

Average Weight

0.8 lb

Average Length

21 in. (wingspan)

Geographic Distribution

• Seclora