Fraterculus

Fraterculus is a genus of seabirds in the auk family, Alcidae. The genus currently contains three living species, all commonly known as puffins. The name Fraterculus is derived from the Latin word for "little brother," possibly referring to the puffins' black and white plumage which resembles a monk's habit.

The most well-known species is the Atlantic puffin (Fraterculus arctica), found in the North Atlantic Ocean. It breeds on the coasts of Iceland, Norway, Greenland, and the northeastern coast of North America. The other two species inhabit the North Pacific: the tufted puffin (Fraterculus corniculatus) and the horned puffin (Fraterculus cirrhata).

Puffins are distinctive birds with their brightly colored beaks during the breeding season, which are shed and become duller in the non-breeding period. They are excellent swimmers and divers, feeding primarily on fish, which they carry back to their burrows in their beaks. They nest in large colonies on rocky islands and cliffs, digging burrows into the soil or utilizing crevices.

The genus Fraterculus is characterized by its relatively small size compared to other auks, its comical appearance, and its specialized feeding habits. Conservation statuses vary among the species, with some facing threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Their unique appearance and behavior have made them popular subjects in nature photography and as symbols of seabird conservation efforts.